Understanding Beta-Catenin in Cholestatic Liver Conditions
Role and regulation of beta-catenin in cholestatic liver disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11134533
This research explores how a protein called beta-catenin affects liver conditions where bile flow is blocked, like Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our team is looking closely at a specific cellular pathway, involving a protein called beta-catenin, to understand its complex role in cholestatic liver conditions. We've found that changing beta-catenin levels can either help or worsen liver injury depending on the specific type of liver problem. By studying different animal models that mimic human conditions like Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), we hope to uncover new ways these diseases develop. We are also examining how beta-catenin affects cell connections and cell identity in the liver. This work aims to reveal fundamental processes that could lead to new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with chronic cholestatic liver conditions, such as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without cholestatic liver conditions or those with liver diseases not related to bile flow impairment may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medical therapies for patients suffering from cholestatic liver conditions like PSC and PFIC, where current treatments are limited.
How similar studies have performed: While the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been studied, this research is exploring its specific and complex roles in different cholestatic liver disease models, offering novel insights into how it can both help and harm.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NEJAK-BOWEN, KARI N — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: NEJAK-BOWEN, KARI N
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.