Targeting Aging Pathways in Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Official title: Targeting Age-related Pathways in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11449090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how aging-related cellular changes contribute to alcohol-related liver disease and tests potential therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $664,792 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA032143-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for alcohol-related liver disease who may benefit from aging-targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without alcohol-related liver disease or aging-related liver pathologies may not benefit.
What this research studies
The project focuses on aging-related changes in the liver, such as how nutrient sensing and cellular aging affect alcohol-related liver damage. It studies post-transcriptional regulation and the role of SIRT1, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular senescence in ALD progression. The researchers plan to use animal models to understand mechanisms and identify therapeutic approaches that could delay or reduce liver injury in older patients. The goal is to translate these findings into strategies that improve liver health for people with alcohol-related disease as they age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to slow or prevent liver damage in older adults who drink alcohol.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown aging-related liver changes influence fibrosis and injury, suggesting potential for similar strategies to work in ALD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zang, Mengwei — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Zang, Mengwei
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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.