How molecular changes in the liver cause portal hypertension
Official title: A Molecular Approach to the Pathogenesis of Portal Hypertension
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11290437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how changes in proteins that control nitric oxide in liver blood vessel cells lead to portal hypertension in people with liver injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $458,793 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK113159-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with liver injury or cirrhosis who have or are at risk for portal hypertension would be the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
People without liver disease or whose portal hypertension is due to non-liver causes (for example, portal vein thrombosis) would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying why the tiny blood vessels in the liver make less nitric oxide after injury, which raises resistance to blood flow and leads to portal hypertension. They will examine biochemical changes in sinusoidal endothelial cells, focusing on how eNOS phosphorylation is altered by a protein complex that includes GIT1, β-PIX, and β-arrestins. Using molecular and cellular lab techniques and building on prior preliminary data, the team will test whether these defects explain the endothelial dysfunction seen after liver injury. The work is laboratory-focused and may include human-derived samples, with the goal of identifying targets that could be translated into treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to restore nitric oxide signaling and reduce portal pressure in patients with liver injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown loss of eNOS-derived nitric oxide contributes to portal hypertension, but targeting the GIT1/β-PIX regulatory complex is a novel approach not yet tested clinically.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rockey, Don C. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Rockey, Don C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noninvasive portal pressure estimation using ultrasound-based subharmonic signals
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-
Noninvasive MRI test to measure liver and portal blood pressure
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Under-the-skin medicine for fluid buildup (ascites) from portal hypertension
A new injectable medicine given under the skin to help people with cirrhosis who have hard-to-treat fluid buildup in the belly.
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Noninvasive method to measure portal vein pressure in cirrhosis
A noninvasive ultrasound technique called SHAPE could measure portal vein pressure in people with cirrhosis to help manage complications like variceal bleeding and ascites.
-
Noninvasive evaluation of liver pressure and health using advanced imaging techniques
This study is testing a new, painless way to check liver health and pressure using advanced imaging technology, which could help people with chronic liver disease get better and safer care without needing invasive procedures.
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Understanding how liver injury affects blood flow in portal hypertension
This study is looking into how liver damage affects blood flow in people with portal hypertension, focusing on certain proteins that help control blood flow, so we can better understand the condition and find new ways to treat it.
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.