Investigating how lymphatic vessels affect liver diseases caused by bile flow issues
Official title: The role of lymphatics in cholestatic liver disease
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10997767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how boosting the number of lymphatic vessels in the liver might help reduce inflammation and improve healing for people with cholestatic liver diseases, like primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis, which currently have few treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $692,243 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138584-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cholestatic liver diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary cholangitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cholestatic liver diseases or those without autoimmune liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis, which currently have limited treatment options. The study aims to understand the role of lymphatic vessels in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the liver by removing waste and inflammatory cells. Researchers will explore how increasing the number of lymphatic vessels could serve as a potential therapeutic approach, particularly by examining the effects of bile acids on lymphatic endothelial cells. Preliminary findings in animal models suggest that enhancing lymphatic vessel formation may decrease liver damage and fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from cholestatic liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing lymphatic function as a therapeutic strategy, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iwakiri, Yasuko — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Iwakiri, Yasuko
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.