Investigating how specific proteins affect liver disease caused by alcohol.
Official title: The role of MKP-1/MAPK in hepatocytes and macrophages in alcohol-associated liver disease pathogenesis
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10849647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MKP-1 affects liver damage and inflammation caused by drinking alcohol, with the hope that understanding this could help develop new treatments for people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,742 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA030934-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease or those at risk of developing it due to heavy alcohol consumption.
✕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 focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which is a leading cause of liver-related deaths. The study examines the role of a protein called MKP-1 in liver cells and immune cells, exploring how its levels influence liver injury and inflammation caused by alcohol consumption. By using models that mimic chronic and binge drinking, the research aims to uncover how MKP-1 affects liver cell damage and the overall progression of ALD. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating this serious condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for alcohol-associated liver disease, potentially improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of MKP-1 in ALD is being explored for the first time, previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for liver disease treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walter, Mary Nancy — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Walter, Mary Nancy
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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.