How Insulin Controls Liver Transport
Insulin regulation of hepatic transport
This project explores how the hormone insulin helps your liver move bile acids, which are important for digestion and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097343 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on the liver to efficiently move bile acids from the blood into bile, a process vital for preventing harmful buildup and supporting digestion. We've discovered that insulin, a hormone known for managing blood sugar, also plays a role in this liver transport system. In people with obesity and insulin resistance, this important liver function can be impaired, but it may improve with weight loss. This work aims to uncover the specific ways insulin controls this process and how it goes wrong in conditions like obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with obesity, insulin resistance, or liver conditions related to bile acid metabolism might find this research particularly relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions affecting insulin sensitivity or bile acid transport may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this pathway could lead to new ways to protect the liver and improve health for people with obesity and insulin resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While insulin's role in metabolism is well-known, its direct promotion of hepatic bile acid transport is a new and unexpected finding.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haeusler, Rebecca Anne — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Haeusler, Rebecca Anne
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.