How the Liver Grows and Heals

Understanding Mechanisms that Regulate Liver Growth and Function

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11141112

This project aims to understand how the liver repairs itself after damage, especially looking at differences between sexes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141112 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Chronic liver diseases are a growing concern, and the liver constantly faces damage from various substances it processes. Fortunately, the liver has amazing ways to heal and regenerate itself. This project seeks to uncover the detailed steps of how the liver recovers, focusing on a key protein called CAR and how its actions might differ between males and females. Researchers will use advanced tools and models to explore these fundamental processes, which are not yet fully understood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with chronic liver diseases, particularly those experiencing liver damage or needing regeneration, could eventually benefit from this foundational knowledge.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to liver growth, repair, or detoxification mechanisms may not directly benefit from this specific basic science work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This knowledge could lead to new ways to help people with chronic liver diseases recover and develop more effective, personalized treatments.

How similar studies have performed: This project explores previously unknown aspects of liver regeneration and sex differences, building on existing knowledge of liver function.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.