How two liver proteins affect alcohol-related liver and gut injury
Role of Beta Spectrin and Smad in Alcohol-Induced Liver and GI Cell Proliferation
This work looks at how changes in two proteins (βII-spectrin and SMAD) contribute to liver and gut damage from alcohol, especially in people with an enzyme (ALDH2) that doesn’t break down alcohol well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173578 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically engineered mice that mimic human ALDH2 deficiency and altered βII-spectrin to model alcohol-related liver disease and NASH. They measure liver fat, reactive aldehydes, DNA damage, lipid synthesis, and metabolic features to see how these molecular changes drive disease. The team tests whether lowering βII-spectrin with siRNA or modulating TGF-β/SMAD signaling improves liver metabolism and reduces injury. Results will link molecular mechanisms to obesity, NASH, and cancer risk to guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), metabolic syndrome, or known ALDH2 deficiency would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: People without liver disease or whose condition is unrelated to alcohol, aldehyde metabolism, or TGF-β/SMAD pathways are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets to prevent or treat alcohol-related liver injury, lowering the need for transplants and reducing cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies showed βII-spectrin–deficient mice are more susceptible to alcohol injury and that siRNA targeting βII-spectrin can reduce diet-induced lipid accumulation and improve glucose handling, so this builds on promising animal data.
Where this research is happening
Manhasset, United States
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research — Manhasset, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mishra, Lopa — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Mishra, Lopa
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.