How special liver cells and a protective protein affect severe infection and liver function
Official title: Novel role of LSECs in hepatic immune and metabolic function during sepsis
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11290410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a protective protein in the liver's lining cells helps the liver fight bacterial infection and manage metabolism during sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $470,759 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139141-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with severe bacterial sepsis or septic shock, especially those showing signs of liver dysfunction, are the most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
People with mild infections, non-bacterial infections, or chronic liver diseases unrelated to sepsis may not see direct benefit from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a protein called HSPA12B in liver lining cells (LSECs) by comparing normal mice to mice that lack this protein and then inducing sepsis to watch what happens. They measure bacterial load, blood lactate, liver glucose production, and structural changes in LSECs and nearby immune cells (Kupffer cells). The team also examines how HSPA12B helps a helper protein called GATA4 move into the cell nucleus, which appears important for keeping LSECs functioning. All work is preclinical lab research aimed at understanding why the liver fails during sepsis and pointing to possible protective strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to protect liver function and reduce complications or deaths from sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies show liver endothelial cells influence immunity and metabolism, but focusing on HSPA12B and its interaction with GATA4 is a newer, largely preclinical path.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaohui — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaohui
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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.