Investigating how liver cells contribute to hepatitis B virus and liver cancer
Official title: Liver lobule zonation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and β-catenin mediated hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10746092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of liver cells can help us find better ways to treat hepatitis B and liver cancer, aiming to discover new treatments that work alongside current ones to help people with chronic HBV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $347,483 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA238328-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infections, particularly those at risk for developing liver cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic hepatitis B or those with other liver diseases unrelated to HBV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of liver cell structures in the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It aims to identify new antiviral targets that could lead to more effective treatments for chronic HBV, which currently affects millions worldwide. The study explores the potential of targeting cellular proteins, specifically β-catenin, to inhibit HBV replication and improve patient outcomes. By combining these new targets with existing therapies, the research seeks to develop a curative approach for HBV infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic hepatitis B, potentially reducing the incidence of liver cancer and improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cellular pathways for antiviral therapies, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mclachlan, Alan — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mclachlan, Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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This grant explores how metabolic stress linked to NASH may drive liver cancer and looks for ways to interrupt that process to help patients.
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Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Platform for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
A Johns Hopkins study will test immune-based therapy given before surgery to shrink liver cancer and help prevent recurrence.
-
Blood test to detect early liver cancer in Hispanic people with hepatitis B
This project looks at whether a blood-based panel of immune markers can find early liver cancer in Hispanic adults who have chronic hepatitis B.
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.