How the protein CNPY2 helps liver tumors grow by changing immune cells
Defining the role of CNPY2 in promoting tumor progression through mediation of macrophage.
This research looks at whether the protein CNPY2 in liver immune cells fuels liver cancer growth and could point to new treatment targets for people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256722 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetic models that remove CNPY2 from liver macrophages to see if that stops carcinogen-driven liver tumors from growing. They will examine how CNPY2 affects cell stress responses (the unfolded protein response), TLR4 immune signaling, and production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNFα, and IL-23. Lab work will include mouse models, isolated liver macrophages (Kupffer cells), biochemical assays, and structural studies to define how CNPY2 interacts with other proteins. Together these approaches aim to show how CNPY2 drives tumor-promoting inflammation and identify routes for new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hepatocellular carcinoma or those at high risk for liver cancer because of chronic liver disease would be most relevant for therapies arising from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without liver disease, or whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms, are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new immune-cell target (CNPY2) to reduce liver inflammation and slow or prevent hepatocellular carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked ER stress and macrophage-driven inflammation to liver cancer, but targeting CNPY2 is a novel approach building on those findings.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Feng — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Hong, Feng
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.