Understanding how certain genetic variants lead to chronic pancreatitis
Official title: Pathophysiology of Chronic Pancreatitis Associated with Misfolded PNLIP Risk Variants
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11000276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gene changes might make some people more likely to develop chronic pancreatitis, and it aims to find ways to help fix the problems caused by these gene changes to prevent the disease from getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK128188-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to chronic pancreatitis, particularly those with known PNLIP variants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic variants associated with PNLIP or those who do not have chronic pancreatitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific genetic variants in the pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PNLIP) gene that may increase the risk of developing chronic pancreatitis. The study focuses on how misfolded proteins from these variants contribute to the disease, particularly through mechanisms that cause cellular stress and inflammation in the pancreas. By using a pre-clinical model that mimics human conditions, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying processes that lead to recurrent acute pancreatitis and chronic disease progression. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic strategies to restore normal protein function and prevent disease advancement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow the progression of chronic pancreatitis in patients with specific genetic risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting misfolded PNLIP variants is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding genetic contributions to other forms of pancreatitis.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Xunjun — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Xunjun
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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.