How bilirubin affects the liver and kidneys through a hormone-like receptor
Liver and kidney responses to bilirubin as a nuclear receptor hormone
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11252296
This project looks at whether slightly higher bilirubin can protect the liver and kidneys by turning on a specific receptor, for adults with or at risk for liver or kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers recently found that unconjugated bilirubin can activate a liver receptor called LRH-1, and they will use that finding to study how bilirubin influences liver and kidney cells. The team will apply a new method that allows LRH-1 to be studied in primary human cells and other human models to compare safe, mildly elevated bilirubin levels with toxic levels. They plan focused work on diabetic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease to see if LRH-1 explains protective effects seen in people with mildly higher bilirubin. Experiments will include human-derived cells and tissues to connect molecular receptor activity to effects on kidney and liver biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults (21+) with diabetes or early-stage chronic kidney disease who might provide samples or be interested in future treatments targeting this pathway.
Not a fit: Children, people without liver or kidney concerns, or those with severe hyperbilirubinemia are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's immediate findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to mimic bilirubin's protective actions and lead to treatments that prevent or slow kidney and liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous population and lab studies linked mildly elevated bilirubin (as in Gilbert’s syndrome) to lower kidney disease risk, but the LRH-1 receptor mechanism is a novel and largely untested explanation.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLIND, RAYMOND DANIEL — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: BLIND, RAYMOND DANIEL
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.