Phosphatidic acid and liver recovery after acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose
The role of phosphatidic acid in liver regeneration after acetaminophen overdose
This project looks at whether a fat-like molecule called phosphatidic acid helps the liver repair itself after an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one had a serious acetaminophen overdose, researchers are studying a lipid signal called phosphatidic acid (PA) that in mice helps liver cells start dividing and repair the organ. The team will map where PA builds up in cells—especially in the endoplasmic reticulum—and how that change turns off a brake protein called GSK3β that normally limits liver cell growth. They will use mouse models, molecular lab techniques, and analysis of human-derived liver samples to trace the exact steps of this repair signal. The goal is to use that knowledge to point toward treatments that boost the liver’s own ability to heal after overdose.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a significant acetaminophen overdose and are developing or at high risk for acute liver injury or failure would be the main group who could benefit.
Not a fit: People with mild or fully resolved acetaminophen exposure or with liver disease from unrelated causes (for example long-standing alcohol or viral liver disease) may not get direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that boost liver regeneration after acetaminophen overdose and reduce the need for liver transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work, including mouse studies, has shown that phosphatidic acid promotes liver regeneration, but applying these findings to human treatments is still early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgill, Mitchell Ryan — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Mcgill, Mitchell Ryan
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 below.