How EGFR and MET signals affect acetaminophen (Tylenol) liver damage
Diverging roles of EGFR and MET in acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11248745
This project looks at whether changing two liver growth signals (EGFR and MET) can reduce liver damage after an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose to help people with acetaminophen-related liver injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248745 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses laboratory models of acetaminophen-induced liver injury to study two growth-factor signals in the liver called EGFR and MET and how they change the course of damage and repair. Earlier work showed that blocking EGFR strongly reduced injury in mice, while MET may help limit progression of damage, so researchers will define when and how these signals act during overdose. The researchers will test drugs or molecular approaches that block harmful EGFR activity or boost protective MET activity and study effects on inflammation, cell death, and liver regeneration. Findings are intended to guide treatments that could be given after the early window when current antidote (N-acetylcysteine) works best.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose or who show early signs of acetaminophen-related liver injury would be the group most likely to benefit from these findings or future trials.
Not a fit: People without acetaminophen-related liver injury or those with liver failure from unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments given later after an acetaminophen overdose that limit liver damage, reduce need for transplant, and improve survival.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies showed that blocking EGFR markedly reduced acetaminophen liver injury in mice, while targeting MET is less explored and represents a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BHUSHAN, BHARAT — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BHUSHAN, BHARAT
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.
Conditions: APAP-induced liver injury