Investigating how Tcf7l2 helps the liver manage metabolism and maintain balance
Official title: The Role of Tcf7l2 in maintaining liver zonation and metabolic homeostasis
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11009944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called Tcf7l2 affects the liver's ability to manage nutrients and stay healthy, which could help us understand issues like diabetes and fatty liver disease, and it's being tested in specially modified mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134647-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with adult-onset diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of diabetes or liver conditions unrelated to Tcf7l2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the Tcf7l2 gene in the liver, particularly how it affects metabolism and the organization of liver cells. By studying mice with specific genetic modifications, researchers aim to understand how Tcf7l2 influences the liver's ability to process nutrients and maintain balance during different dietary conditions. The study employs advanced techniques like single-nuclei sequencing to analyze gene expression in liver cells, providing insights into how disruptions in Tcf7l2 may lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diabetes and liver diseases by targeting the Tcf7l2 gene.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors influencing diabetes and liver health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biddinger, Sudha B — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Biddinger, Sudha B
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.