How communication between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria affects calcium signaling and liver health

ER-mitochondrial communication in calcium signaling, energy metabolism and liver disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11017027

This study is looking at how the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in your liver cells communicate with each other, especially how calcium signals affect energy use and liver health, to find new ways to treat liver diseases.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11017027 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the communication between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, focusing on how calcium signaling influences energy metabolism and liver disease. By studying how calcium is released from the ER and its effects on mitochondrial function, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better understanding and treatment of liver conditions. The team uses innovative synthetic membrane linkers to observe and manipulate these interactions in live cells, providing insights into cellular metabolism and signaling pathways. This work could help identify new therapeutic targets for liver diseases linked to metabolic dysfunction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with liver diseases, particularly those related to metabolic dysfunction such as fatty liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases not related to calcium signaling or mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for liver diseases by improving our understanding of cellular energy metabolism and calcium signaling.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of ER-mitochondrial communication in various diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.