Investigating the effects of alcohol on liver disease using a human liver model
Official title: Studying alcohol-associated liver disease and its interaction with rs738409 variant in PNPLA3 in a liver culture model
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10977895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol affects the liver by creating a special lab model that mimics liver disease, so researchers can better understand how liver and immune cells work together and find new ways to help people with alcohol-related liver problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $523,477 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA031226-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol consumption who are experiencing liver-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease not associated with alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) by developing a human liver model that mimics the disease's progression. The team will use human induced pluripotent stem cells to create a multicellular liver culture system, which includes liver cells and immune cells, to study how these cells interact under the influence of alcohol. By examining the genetic factors that contribute to ALD, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets and improve diagnostic methods for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tools for patients suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using human liver models has shown promise in understanding liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Xianfang — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Wu, Xianfang
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.