Understanding how alcohol affects liver immune cells
Official title: Role of MLKL in Alcohol-associated Liver Disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10910240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol affects the health of immune cells in the liver, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who have liver problems related to drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AA029146-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease, particularly those experiencing alcoholic hepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol-related liver conditions or those with other unrelated liver diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which alcohol disrupts the balance between survival and death of immune cells in the liver. The principal investigator utilizes both in vivo and cell culture models to explore how these processes contribute to alcohol-associated liver disease. By focusing on the role of specific proteins involved in immune cell regulation, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving liver health in individuals affected by alcohol-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve liver health and outcomes for patients with alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell dynamics in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Xiaoqin — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Wu, Xiaoqin
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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.