Targeting a specific enzyme to treat liver disease caused by alcohol consumption
Official title: Phosphodiesterase 4B Inhibition as a Therapeutic Target for Alcohol-associated Liver Disease
Funded at University of Toledo · NIH-10354185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called PDE4B affects liver problems caused by drinking too much alcohol, and it aims to find out if blocking this protein can help reduce liver damage and inflammation, potentially leading to better treatments for people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $390,185 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA029767-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10354185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol-associated liver disease who are experiencing liver inflammation or damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver disease due to other causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which is a serious condition resulting from excessive alcohol intake. The study aims to explore how inhibiting PDE4B can reduce liver inflammation and damage by increasing levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a molecule that helps protect liver cells. By focusing on the inflammatory processes involved in ALD, the researchers hope to develop a new therapeutic approach that could improve patient outcomes. The methodology includes testing PDE4 inhibitors to see if they can prevent liver injury and progression of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option for patients suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using PDE4 inhibitors for liver inflammation, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Virender — University of Toledo
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Virender
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.