Understanding bile acid regulation in newborns with bile duct obstruction
Regulation of Hepatobiliary Bile Acid Homeostasis in Neonatal Obstructive Cholestasis
This study is looking at how newborns with biliary atresia manage bile acids in their bodies and how a hormone called FGF19 helps control this process, with the goal of finding better treatments for these little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how bile acid levels are regulated in newborns suffering from biliary atresia, a condition that causes bile duct obstruction. It focuses on the role of specific hormones, particularly fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), in controlling bile acid synthesis in the liver. By examining how the liver adapts to changes in bile acid signaling, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved treatments for affected infants. The study employs a combination of biochemical analysis and molecular biology techniques to explore these regulatory pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with biliary atresia or other forms of neonatal obstructive cholestasis.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have biliary atresia or similar bile duct obstructions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing bile acid homeostasis in infants with biliary atresia.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms being investigated may be novel, previous research has shown that understanding bile acid regulation can lead to significant advancements in treating liver diseases.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guthrie, Gregory — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Guthrie, Gregory
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.