How the protein synectin may cause liver scarring (fibrosis)
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11332460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring whether the protein synectin makes liver support cells move and lay down scar tissue in people with cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $357,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AA021171-15 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis who can provide tissue samples or who might be interested in future therapy trials are the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without liver disease or those with irreversible, end-stage liver failure are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project studies hepatic stellate cells, the liver cells that migrate and produce the scar tissue seen in fibrosis and cirrhosis. Scientists will study synectin in patient-derived samples and in laboratory models, use genetic tools (including CRISPR) to reduce synectin, and measure effects on cell movement and gene activity. They will also test whether lowering synectin prevents or reduces fibrosis in mice. Together these approaches aim to link findings in human cirrhosis to mechanisms seen in animals and cells to identify potential drug targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that slow or stop liver scarring and reduce progression to cirrhosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior cell and animal studies targeting stellate cell pathways have reduced fibrosis, and targeting synectin is a newer approach with promising preliminary mouse and human-sample data.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Vijay H. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Shah, Vijay H.
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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.