NIH-funded research R37 grant

Investigating how specific liver cells contribute to liver disease progression

Official title: Pathogenic Role of Foxl1+ Hepatic Progenitor Cells in Fibrotic Liver Disease

Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11036242 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at special liver cells called Foxl1+ hepatic progenitor cells to see how they affect chronic liver diseases like fibrosis and cirrhosis, which could help find new ways to treat these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$370,131
NIH project number5R37CA225807-07
Project IDNIH-11036242 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic liver disease, particularly those showing signs of fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute liver conditions or those without chronic liver disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of Foxl1+ hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the progression of chronic liver diseases, including fibrosis and cirrhosis. By utilizing a specialized mouse model, the study aims to trace and analyze these cells to determine their impact on liver disease and cancer development. The researchers will explore how HPCs interact with other cells, particularly endothelial cells, and how they may influence processes like angiogenesis and fibrosis. This could lead to identifying new therapeutic targets for treating severe liver conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent the progression of chronic liver diseases and associated cancers.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of hepatic progenitor cells in liver disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
    Cincinnati, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Shin, Soona — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Shin, Soona

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.