Investigating a new signaling pathway in alcoholic liver disease

A novel cholinergic circuitry in alcoholic liver disease (NIAAA)

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11018509

This study is looking at how a new way that liver cells talk to immune cells might help protect the liver from damage caused by drinking alcohol, and it's aimed at finding new treatments for people with alcoholic liver disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11018509 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores a newly discovered cholinergic signaling pathway in the liver that may play a protective role against damage caused by alcohol consumption. The study focuses on how immune cells in the liver communicate with liver cells through acetylcholine, particularly in the context of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Researchers will use advanced techniques, including flow cytometry, to analyze liver cells from specially bred mice after alcohol exposure. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind liver damage and identify potential therapeutic targets for ALD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcoholic liver disease or those at risk of developing liver damage due to alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients with liver disease not related to alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for alcoholic liver disease, improving outcomes for patients suffering from this condition.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific cholinergic signaling pathway being investigated is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in understanding liver diseases and developing new therapies.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.