NIH-funded research R01 grant

FoxA1/2 regulation in human liver formation

Official title: Regulating FoxA-Mediated Transcription during Liver Development

Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11446173 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study to understand how FoxA1 and FoxA2 control the first steps of human liver development and how their activity is regulated.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endMay 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$406,985
NIH project number1R01DK145591-01A1
Project IDNIH-11446173 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Not a patient-enrolling study; findings may ultimately benefit people with liver conditions by informing new approaches.

Less likely to help

This basic science project does not involve direct patient participation.

What this research studies

This project looks at how the liver-creating factors FoxA1 and FoxA2 open chromatin to start liver gene programs in humans. Researchers will explore how these pioneer factors interact with co-activators to regulate chromatin and initiate hepatic fate. The work uses human cellular models to map when and how FoxA1/2 regulate target genes during liver specification. Findings could illuminate fundamental processes of liver development and potential targets for liver-related diseases. The grant supports experiments from 2026 through 2030 at the Medical College of Wisconsin under PI Lisa A. Cirillo.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding early liver development could inform future therapies for liver diseases and congenital liver disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows FoxA factors shape chromatin and influence liver gene programs, but direct human hepatic-specification regulation remains to be clarified.

Where this research is happening

  • Medical College of Wisconsin
    Milwaukee, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cirillo, Lisa a — Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Study coordinator: Cirillo, Lisa a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Finding a cure for sickle cell disease

    The Cure Sickle Cell Initiative is bringing together patients, families, and caregivers to work together on finding a cure for sickle cell disease using safe genetic therapies, with the goal of improving lives and speeding up the development of new treatments.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-9787629

  • A portable device to measure radiation dose and exposure uniformity after a large radiation event

    A field-ready, nail-based device uses advanced spectroscopy and smart software to quickly estimate how much radiation a person has received and how evenly they were exposed, within minutes.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11552312

  • Ethics of Engaging Patient Groups in Drug Development for Rare Diseases

    This grant asks how patient and family groups can ethically help shape rare-disease drug development from idea to market, with input from patients, families, doctors, and researchers.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11530731

  • Renovation of the Biophysics Resources at MCW

    This grant funds upgrading a core biophysics facility at the Medical College of Wisconsin to support advanced research in human biology.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11520941

  • Cure Sickle Cell: Advancing Gene Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease

    A national initiative to move safer genetic therapies for sickle cell disease forward with patient, caregiver, and advocate involvement.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11516405

  • Health insurance transitions for older adults with HIV on Medicare

    Older adults with HIV face complex Medicare coverage that can affect access to HIV treatment and care.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11479146

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.