How TCF7L2 helps keep the liver organized and metabolism balanced
The Role of Tcf7l2 in maintaining liver zonation and metabolic homeostasis
Researchers want to learn how changes in the TCF7L2 gene in the liver affect liver cell organization and metabolic health for people with adult-onset diabetes and fatty liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261643 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses new mouse models that remove Tcf7l2 in liver cells and advanced single-nucleus sequencing to map how TCF7L2 controls different zones of hepatocytes. The team will look at how hormones like glucagon and diets rich in fat change TCF7L2 activity and how those changes alter amino acid, bile acid, and lipid handling. They will track cell injury, lipid droplet patterns, and gene expression across liver zones to understand how TCF7L2 preserves safe fat storage and metabolic balance. Findings aim to connect genetic links to diabetes and NAFLD with specific liver-cell behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who want to support research into liver metabolism would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, children, or patients without liver or metabolic conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or strategies to protect the liver and improve metabolic health for people with type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic studies have long linked TCF7L2 to diabetes and some animal work shows liver metabolic effects, but the precise role is still debated and this zone-focused approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biddinger, Sudha B — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Biddinger, Sudha B
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.