Understanding how cells communicate in bile duct formation
Official title: Mechanisms of epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk in intrahepatic biliary formation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11131187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the liver makes important bile ducts and aims to find new treatments for conditions like Alagille syndrome and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, which can cause a shortage of these ducts, so that people can have better options beyond just getting a liver transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $663,039 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138677-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, or other related conditions that cause intrahepatic bile duct paucity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to bile duct formation or those who do not have intrahepatic bile duct issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the formation of intrahepatic bile ducts, which are crucial for liver function. It focuses on diseases that lead to a shortage of these ducts, such as Alagille syndrome and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The approach involves studying how liver cells can transform into bile duct cells and exploring potential therapies to improve bile duct formation. By understanding these processes, the research aims to find new treatment options beyond liver transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve bile duct formation and reduce the need for liver transplants in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell transformation processes, but this specific approach to augment bile duct formation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, Robert E — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, Robert E
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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.