How the body clears alcohol-related toxic aldehydes
Ethanol and aldehyde dehydrogenases in health and disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195671
This work looks at how genetic differences affect mitochondria's ability to clear alcohol-related toxins in adults, and who may be more vulnerable.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195671 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would learn whether common genetic differences in mitochondrial aldehyde-processing enzymes — beyond the well-known ALDH2 change — make some people less able to remove toxic aldehydes produced by alcohol. Researchers will search diverse ancestry groups for common enzyme variants and then test those variants in cells exposed to ethanol to measure aldehyde buildup, mitochondrial damage, and cell survival. They will compare results across ancestry groups to find combinations of variants that raise sensitivity to alcohol-related toxicity. The goal is to show whether looking only at ALDH2 misses other important genetic risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) from diverse ancestries, especially those with known ALDH2 variants or a personal/family history of alcohol-related health problems, would be most relevant to these findings or sample contributions.
Not a fit: People younger than 21, those without alcohol exposure, or whose health issues are unrelated to aldehyde metabolism are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher genetic risk for alcohol-related cellular damage and inform more personalized prevention or screening.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown ALDH2*2 increases aldehyde toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction, but applying this approach to other mitochondrial aldehyde enzymes across ancestries is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOCHLY-ROSEN, DARIA — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MOCHLY-ROSEN, DARIA
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.