How PKM2 controls liver scarring
Regulation of Liver Fibrosis by Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2)
This work looks at whether blocking the protein PKM2 can reduce liver scarring for people with chronic liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11223302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study how the protein PKM2 causes hepatic stellate cells to activate and produce scar tissue in the liver. They will identify the chemical changes that make PKM2 move into the cell nucleus and the genes it turns on during fibrosis. The team will test new PKM2-binding compounds in cell and preclinical models to see if they stop stellate cell activation and reduce fibrosis. Findings will be used to guide future drug development for people with chronic liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with chronic liver disease or early to moderate liver fibrosis would be the main candidates for future therapies arising from this work.
Not a fit: People without liver fibrosis or those with very advanced, decompensated cirrhosis are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new medicines that prevent or reverse liver scarring in chronic liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab work shows PKM2 affects inflammatory and metabolic genes in liver immune cells, but using PKM2-targeting compounds for liver fibrosis is largely experimental and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
West Haven, United States
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System — West Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehal, Wajahat Zafar — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Mehal, Wajahat Zafar
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.