Understanding how alcohol damages liver cells

Modeling alcohol toxicity in human hepatocytes

['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-10663192

This study is looking at how alcohol harms liver cells to help us understand why some people get liver disease while others don’t, and it’s for anyone interested in better treatments for liver health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10663192 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which alcohol causes damage to human liver cells, known as hepatocytes. It utilizes innovative models, including liver chimeric mice, to study the effects of alcohol on these cells in a way that more accurately reflects human biology. By transplanting human liver cells into mice, researchers aim to better understand why some individuals develop liver disease while others do not, despite similar alcohol consumption. The study also explores potential methods to improve the engraftment of diseased liver cells, which could lead to more effective treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use who may be at risk for liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver diseases unrelated to alcohol may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for liver diseases related to alcohol consumption.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies using animal models to investigate liver damage, this approach using liver chimeric mice is relatively novel and aims to overcome limitations of previous models.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Disease, Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.