Gut microbiota fucosylation and alcohol-related liver disease progression
Official title: Role of Gut Microbiota Fucosylation in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Progression
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11287540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study will explore how alcohol-related changes in the gut’s sugar decorations (fucosylation) may drive liver disease over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,438 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA032925-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11287540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol use and signs of early or progressing alcoholic liver disease who can provide medical history and samples.
✕Less likely to help
People without ALD or those unable to provide required samples or participate in follow-up may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how long-term alcohol use changes the gut and how those changes might worsen alcoholic liver disease. The researchers will study gut bacteria and the gut lining to see how reduced fucosylation could trigger inflammation and liver injury. They will use available data and experiments in a mouse and human context to understand the gut-liver connection better and identify potential targets for preventing progression. The goal is to pinpoint mechanisms that could lead to new, patient-friendly treatments or prevention strategies for ALD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new approaches to protect the gut and liver in people who drink alcohol, potentially slowing or preventing liver damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows gut microbiota and fucosylation play roles in liver disease, and this study builds on those findings with a more targeted, mechanism-focused approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lei, Chao — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Lei, Chao
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.