Investigating how protein misfolding affects bile acid metabolism in liver diseases
Official title: The Unfolded Protein Response and Bile Acid Metabolism
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11057065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein pathway helps the liver deal with stress from misfolded proteins, which can cause liver problems, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these issues for people with cholestatic liver disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $625,813 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138080-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057065 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from cholestatic liver disorders characterized by protein misfolding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver conditions unrelated to cholestasis or protein misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) pathway in managing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by misfolded proteins in cholestatic liver disorders. By studying how this pathway regulates bile acid metabolism and reduces liver injury, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets. The approach includes analyzing liver samples from patients and using animal models to explore the mechanisms behind bile acid synthesis and metabolism. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for liver diseases linked to protein misfolding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cholestatic liver disorders, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the XBP1 pathway's role in liver health, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Richard M — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Green, Richard M
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.