Southern California Center exploring alcohol-related liver disease and liver cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This grant supports a center at the University of Southern California focused on understanding how alcohol-related liver disease progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers explore how nuclear PDH1 and mito-nucleus signaling influence cancer stem-like cells and tumor growth, aiming to uncover targets for new therapies. The work combines molecular science with potential translational steps to help people at risk of advanced liver disease and liver cancer. Patients with heavy alcohol use or metabolic liver disease may benefit from breakthroughs that reduce therapy resistance and recurrence in liver cancer. The center’s findings could inform future clinical trials and personalized approaches for prevention and treatment.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Southern California
  Los Angeles, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Machida, Keigo — University of Southern California
• Study coordinator: Machida, Keigo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis

  A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11591518

• Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research

  A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11591517

• Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin

  This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.

  NIH research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11591516

• Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center

  A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.

  NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11591514

• Understanding how risk factors affect progression of cirrhosis and response to statins in patients with cirrhosis

  This project follows people with cirrhosis to see what factors speed up their liver disease and whether statin medicines help prevent worsening.

  NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11591513

• Cirrhosis Network study to understand mortality and therapies

  A large, multi-center study in people with cirrhosis to find better ways to predict deaths and test the potential of statins to prevent complications like liver cancer and liver failure.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11591512

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.