Investigating how sex differences affect liver cancer development related to alcohol consumption
Official title: TET1 and sex differences in alcohol associated liver tumorigenesis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11058310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female might change the risk of liver cancer related to drinking alcohol, and it’s especially interested in a specific enzyme called TET1 that could affect liver health differently in men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,626 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA031497-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume alcohol heavily and may be at risk for liver disease, especially women.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver disease unrelated to alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between sex differences and the risk of liver cancer, particularly focusing on how alcohol consumption influences this risk. It examines the role of a specific enzyme, TET1, which is involved in DNA methylation and may affect liver health differently in men and women. By using genetically modified mice, the study aims to understand how the absence of TET1 impacts liver disease progression in the context of alcohol use, especially in females. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind alcohol-related liver disease and its link to cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for alcohol-related liver diseases, particularly in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that sex differences play a significant role in liver disease progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Chiung-Kuei — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Huang, Chiung-Kuei
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.