Understanding how a liver hormone (FGF21) is controlled during alcohol use
Official title: Identifying an immunoregulatory axis for FGF21 in alcohol consumption
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11390965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with alcohol-related liver disease explores how inflammation in the liver affects a key hormone (FGF21) and whether this process can be targeted to reduce alcohol use and liver damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $537,587 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031460-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease who may benefit from future targeted therapies or biomarkers.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without alcohol-related liver disease or without participation in related biomarker or therapeutic studies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at the links between liver inflammation, a hormone called FGF21, and alcohol consumption. Researchers will study cellular and animal models to uncover how IRF3 and PLAGL1 influence FGF21 levels during alcohol exposure, and how this interaction might drive ALD progression. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to develop new treatments that help people reduce drinking and protect the liver. Findings could pave the way for therapies that support better liver health in those affected by alcohol use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new therapies that boost protective liver signals and help people reduce alcohol intake and prevent ALD progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that inflammatory pathways influence liver metabolism and that FGF21 is connected to alcohol responses, with this study aiming to translate those findings into potential treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Suraj J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patel, Suraj J
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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.