How TNF-alpha affects recovery from alcohol-related liver damage
TNF alpha and Recovery from Alcoholic Liver Injury
This work looks at whether changes in a signaling molecule called TNF-alpha and related RNA-binding proteins influence how adult livers heal after alcohol-related injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328781 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, the team is trying to understand why some people's livers fail to regenerate after severe alcohol-related hepatitis while others recover. They focus on TNF-alpha and how RNA-binding proteins turn fetal versus adult healing programs on and off in liver cells. To do this, researchers will study human liver samples and complementary lab models to find which RNA splice forms and proteins change with injury. The goal is to map molecular patterns tied to poor recovery so future tests or treatments can target those pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with alcohol-related liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis or alcohol-induced steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, would be the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related liver disease, those under 21, or patients with irreversible end-stage liver failure unlikely to benefit directly from this mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify molecular targets or biomarkers that help the liver regenerate and guide new treatments for severe alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and preclinical work supports these molecular ideas, but translating those findings into proven patient treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diehl, Anna Mae Elizabeth — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Diehl, Anna Mae Elizabeth
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.