How acetylcholine-signaling nerves control the liver
Role of cholinergic innervation of the liver
Researchers are testing whether acetylcholine-carrying nerve signals to the liver help control blood sugar and fat levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231236 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at nerve connections from the vagus nerve to the liver and how those signals change glucose and lipid metabolism. In mice, researchers trace the nerve paths and use tools that can switch those liver-directed nerves on or off to watch effects on blood glucose and liver gene activity. They will also study liver cells to find the receptors that respond to acetylcholine and measure changes in metabolic signals. The goal is to link specific nerve activity to measurable changes in liver function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is primarily animal-based work, the findings would be most relevant to people with high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver disease for future clinical translation.
Not a fit: People without metabolic or liver problems and those expecting immediate new treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to lower blood sugar or treat fatty liver by targeting nerve signals instead of or alongside drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including optogenetic work, have shown that activating or silencing cholinergic liver nerves can change blood glucose in mice, but translation to human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jo, Young-Hwan — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jo, Young-Hwan
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 below.