Understanding Cell Stress in Bile Duct Diseases
Redox and Proteomic Stress Responses in Biliary Disease
This project looks at how cells in the bile ducts protect themselves from damage caused by bile, which can lead to serious liver problems in both children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Diseases affecting the bile ducts are a significant reason why people need liver transplants. This work explores how the cells lining the bile ducts, called cholangiocytes, cope with the harmful effects of bile, especially the oxidative damage it causes. Researchers are using a zebrafish model to understand how these cells respond to stress and how these responses might be modified. The goal is to uncover the specific protective mechanisms within these cells, which could help us better understand and treat human conditions like biliary atresia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work could eventually benefit patients of all ages, from infants with biliary atresia to adults with other bile duct diseases.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect bile duct cells from damage and improve treatments for bile duct diseases, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon existing knowledge of cellular stress responses and uses established animal models, with prior work from the lab showing promising results in zebrafish.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pack, Michael a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Pack, Michael a
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.