How different areas of the liver manage energy and metabolism as we age
Zone-specific mitochondrial functions in regulation of hepatic metabolism
This study is looking at how getting older and eating too much can impact how well the liver works, and it’s for anyone interested in liver health; the researchers are using special techniques to understand which parts of the liver help keep it healthy, which could lead to new ways to treat liver diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10788519 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and overnutrition affect the liver's ability to function properly, focusing on specific zones within the liver that have unique metabolic roles. By using advanced technologies, including specially engineered mice and CRISPR gene editing, the researchers aim to isolate mitochondria from different liver zones and analyze their metabolic functions. This approach will help identify key genes that support liver cell health under stress, potentially leading to new treatments for liver-related diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals experiencing metabolic stress or liver-related health issues.
Not a fit: Patients with acute liver failure or those who do not have any metabolic or liver-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve liver health and function in aging individuals and those with metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding mitochondrial functions in liver health, but this specific approach using zone-specific analysis and CRISPR technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newgard, Christopher B — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Newgard, Christopher B
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.