Investigating how bilirubin affects liver and kidney health
Official title: Liver and kidney responses to bilirubin as a nuclear receptor hormone
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11026299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bilirubin, a substance that can be harmful in high amounts but might help protect your liver and kidneys at slightly higher levels, affects your health, especially if you have Gilbert’s syndrome or diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $380,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141801-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with mildly elevated bilirubin levels or those at risk for diabetic and chronic kidney diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severely elevated bilirubin levels or those without any kidney disease risk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the dual nature of bilirubin, a heme metabolite that can be toxic at high levels but may offer protective benefits at slightly elevated levels, particularly in conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome. The study focuses on how bilirubin interacts with a specific nuclear receptor, Liver Receptor Homolog-1 (LRH-1), in the liver and kidneys. By utilizing a novel approach to study LRH-1 in human models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms through which bilirubin may protect against diabetic and chronic kidney diseases. Patients may be involved in understanding how bilirubin levels can influence their kidney health and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating kidney diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the antioxidant properties of bilirubin have been studied, the specific receptor-mediated effects of bilirubin on kidney health are relatively novel and have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blind, Raymond Daniel — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Blind, Raymond Daniel
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.