How problems with cholesterol regulation and cell recycling contribute to pancreatitis
Official title: Dysregulated cholesterol homeostasis, caused by lysosomal/autophagy dysfunction, mediates pancreatitis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11000340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with certain cell processes might contribute to acute pancreatitis, a serious condition, and it’s testing whether cholesterol-lowering medications like statins can help improve the health of the pancreas, which could lead to better treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $319,335 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131493-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from acute pancreatitis or those at risk of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pancreatitis or those whose pancreatitis is not related to cholesterol metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lysosomal and autophagy dysfunction in the development of acute pancreatitis, a serious condition with few treatment options. It explores how these cellular processes affect cholesterol homeostasis in acinar cells, which are crucial for pancreatic function. By examining the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins on these cells, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that may lead to better understanding and treatment of pancreatitis. The research combines genetic studies and drug response assessments to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for acute pancreatitis, improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting cholesterol metabolism can influence pancreatitis outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gukovskaya, Anna S. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Gukovskaya, Anna S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Chronic Pancreatitis and Related Conditions Data Center Supports Multi-Center Research
A national effort to organize and share clinical data and biosamples from people with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatogenic diabetes, and pancreatic cancer to speed biomarker discovery and new treatments.
-
Lymphatic roles in pancreatitis and recovery
This project looks at how the lymphatic system influences inflammation and healing in pancreatitis, using mouse models to identify new therapeutic targets.
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Diabetes after acute pancreatitis: understanding and tracking progression
A patient-focused look at how diabetes can develop after an episode of acute pancreatitis, using data from a large, ongoing study and AI insights.
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Continuation of Type 1 Diabetes in Acute Pancreatitis: UF Health and AdventHealth
A patient-facing overview of a long-term study tracking people with acute pancreatitis to understand how some develop type 1 diabetes later and what factors influence that process.
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Data Coordinating Center for Type 1 Diabetes in Acute Pancreatitis Consortium
A national effort to learn how pancreatitis-related Type 1 diabetes develops, by tracking patients and coordinating data to improve future care.
-
Diabetes after acute pancreatitis: a patient-focused network study
A program at Indiana University is studying how diabetes can develop after an acute pancreatitis episode, with new findings that could help doctors tailor care for adults who had pancreatitis.
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.