Investigating how liver cells help with liver healing and growth
Official title: Hepatic stellate cells in liver homeostasis and regeneration
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10997438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain liver cells help the liver heal and grow, and it’s testing a new growth factor that might help improve liver health for people with liver diseases.
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 | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $680,622 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133512-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with liver diseases who may benefit from enhanced liver regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-liver related conditions or those who are not candidates for liver regeneration therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of hepatic stellate cells in liver regeneration and homeostasis. The team aims to identify a novel growth factor, neurotrophin-3 (NTF3), which has shown promise in promoting liver cell proliferation and increasing liver mass in animal models. By using advanced techniques, including genetically engineered T cells to deplete specific liver cells, the researchers will explore how these cells contribute to liver function and regeneration. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with liver diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new regenerative therapies for patients with end-stage liver disease, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using growth factors for liver regeneration, making this approach promising yet still innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Youngmin Anna — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Youngmin Anna
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.