Targeting TGF-βRII to treat alcoholic liver fibrosis
Official title: Targeting TGF-βRII for the treatment of alcoholic liver fibrosis
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11466092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to test a new peptide that blocks a key fibrosis signal and a gene-silencing approach to help reverse liver fibrosis caused by alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $524,692 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA032682-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11466092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with alcoholic liver fibrosis in need of non-surgical treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without alcohol-related liver fibrosis or those not suitable for experimental, targeted liver therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on alcoholic liver fibrosis, a scarring process from long-term alcohol use. Researchers have identified an anti-TGF-βRII peptide that blocks a critical fibrosis pathway, and a PCBP2 siRNA approach to reduce collagen production. The plan includes delivering these therapies specifically to hepatic stellate cells and testing their anti-fibrotic effects in animal models of liver fibrosis. If successful, the work could pave the way for combination therapies to reverse fibrosis rather than only treat advanced disease. The long-term goal is to move toward new, non-transplant options for patients with alcoholic liver fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients with alcoholic liver fibrosis could have new treatment options that reduce scarring and improve liver function.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies showed that targeting fibrosis pathways can reduce scarring in liver disease, making this approach promising but still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Kun — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Kun
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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.