How tiny particles in the liver's support tissue affect alcohol-related liver damage
The role of matrix-bound microvesicles in alcohol-related liver disease
Seeing if tiny particles bound to the liver's supporting matrix change how alcohol harms the liver in people with alcoholic liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330317 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the liver's extracellular matrix (the tissue scaffolding) and tiny membrane-bound particles attached to it, called matrix-bound microvesicles, to understand changes that happen with alcohol-related liver disease. The researchers will compare damaged and healthy liver tissue to map which matrix components and microvesicles change during injury and fibrosis. They will use laboratory models and tissue samples to test how those changes alter liver cell behavior and inflammation. The goal is to find specific signals or particles that could be targeted to slow or reverse alcohol-related liver damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease, including those with alcoholic hepatitis or alcohol-associated fibrosis, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related liver disease or those with unrelated liver conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pinpoint new targets for treatments that reduce inflammation and scarring in alcohol-related liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that the liver's extracellular matrix changes with injury, but focusing on matrix-bound microvesicles as drivers of disease is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Melanie J. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Scott, Melanie J.
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.