How molecular changes in the liver cause portal hypertension
A Molecular Approach to the Pathogenesis of Portal Hypertension
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 ID | NIH-11290437 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with liver injury or cirrhosis who have or are at risk for portal hypertension would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Charleston, United States
- 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.
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.