Liver pathobiology from rare liver diseases
Official title: Liver Pathobiology: insights through the lens of rare diseases
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11594756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at UCSF looks at why rare liver conditions cause liver damage, with the aim of finding new ways to diagnose and treat chronic liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $501,886 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK131033-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11594756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with rare liver phenotypes or genetic liver disorders may be eligible to contribute samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without liver disease or those not connected to the study’s rare phenotypes may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind chronic liver injury by studying individuals with rare liver phenotypes. Researchers are exploring how genetic changes affect liver cell function and blood flow in the liver to uncover clues about common liver diseases. The work builds on findings that certain genetic variants can cause liver cell changes and dysfunction, with the goal of translating these insights into better diagnostics and therapies. The study uses patient data and biological samples to map how these rare conditions inform broader liver disease biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: The research could lead to earlier diagnosis, new treatments, and reduced need for liver transplantation for people with chronic liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that rare genetic liver conditions can reveal mechanisms relevant to more common liver diseases, supporting the potential for meaningful advances.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vilarinho, Silvia — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Vilarinho, Silvia
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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.