NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how alcohol affects liver cell function and inflammation

Official title: Mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics, quality control and mtDNA-mediated inflammation in alcohol-associated liver disease

Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11173761 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects liver cells and could lead to new ways to help people with liver problems caused by alcohol, so you can better understand how your drinking might impact your liver health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project startAugust 20, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$386,542
NIH project number5R01AA031230-02
Project IDNIH-11173761 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with alcohol-associated liver disease or those experiencing liver issues related to alcohol consumption.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver disease unrelated to alcohol may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of alcohol on liver cells, focusing on how alcohol metabolism leads to changes in mitochondrial function and inflammation. The study explores the relationship between alcohol consumption and the formation of large mitochondria, which may play a role in liver disease. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential pathways for developing new treatments for alcohol-associated liver disease. Patients may benefit from insights into how their liver health is affected by alcohol and potential new therapeutic approaches.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for alcohol-associated liver disease, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding mitochondrial dynamics in liver cells can lead to significant advancements in treating liver diseases, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ding, Wen-Xing — University of Kansas Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Ding, Wen-Xing

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.