Protein balance in liver scarring
Elucidating the Role and Regulation of Proteostasis in Hepatic Fibrogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11327244
This project looks at whether blocking a protective protein-folding response in scar-forming liver cells can make those cells die and reduce liver scarring for people with chronic liver disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying the liver’s scar-producing cells (hepatic stellate cells) to see how they manage extra protein production that stresses the cell. They focus on a stress-response protein called ATF6α and use cell experiments and mouse models where this protein is turned off in those scar-forming cells. The team also analyzes which genes change when ATF6α is missing using RNA sequencing to find the pathways that keep these cells alive and making scar tissue. The goal is to identify targets that could be turned into new treatments that cause scar cells to die or stop making scar tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual clinical strategies would be people with ongoing liver fibrosis or chronic liver disease who need therapies to reduce scarring.
Not a fit: Patients with very advanced, end-stage cirrhosis already requiring transplant may not receive direct benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce or reverse liver fibrosis and slow progression to cirrhosis.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal and cell studies targeting the unfolded protein response and ER stress in liver cells have shown promise, but human treatments are not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAIERS, JESSICA L — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: MAIERS, JESSICA L
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.