Investigating the role of a liver receptor in cancer development

Novel noncanonical actions of CAR in human Liver

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10843817

This study is looking at how a specific protein called CAR might affect liver cell growth and the development of liver cancer, especially in humans, to help us understand why liver tumors form differently in people compared to animals.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10843817 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which is known for its role in drug metabolism but may also influence liver cancer development. The study aims to understand how CAR affects liver cell growth and tumor progression, particularly in human liver cells. Researchers will explore the differences in CAR's function between humans and rodents, as previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding liver tumor formation. By examining the expression of CAR in liver cancer tissues, the research seeks to uncover its potential role in cancer outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma or those at risk for liver cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with liver conditions unrelated to cancer or those without liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into liver cancer mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of CAR in liver cancer is being explored, this specific investigation into human CAR's noncanonical actions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cancer Causing AgentsCancer GenesCancer-Promoting Gene
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.