Investigating how aging and alcohol affect liver health
Official title: Lysosome and integrated stress response in aging and alcohol-associated liver disease
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10902942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol can harm your liver and what happens in your body that makes this damage worse, especially as we get older, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with alcohol-related liver problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2024 |
| Project end | July 23, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,460 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031623-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing liver issues related to alcohol consumption, particularly older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases not associated with alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which is a significant cause of chronic liver issues. It examines how alcohol consumption leads to liver damage through processes like inflammation and fibrosis, potentially resulting in severe conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The study explores the role of cellular protective mechanisms, including autophagy and stress responses, in combating the harmful effects of alcohol on the liver, particularly in the context of aging. By studying these processes, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for ALD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of autophagy and stress responses in liver diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Sha Neisha — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Williams, Sha Neisha
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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.