Understanding how fat breakdown processes are affected by alcohol in liver disease

Synergy of lipolysis and lipophagy in alcoholic liver disease

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10686384

This study is looking at how alcohol affects the way your liver breaks down fat, which could help find new treatments for alcoholic liver disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-10686384 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cellular mechanisms that contribute to alcoholic liver disease (ALD), focusing on how alcohol disrupts the breakdown of fat droplets in liver cells. The study aims to explore two key processes: lipolysis, which breaks down fats using specific enzymes, and lipophagy, which involves the degradation of fat droplets through cellular recycling mechanisms. By examining how these processes interact and are affected by alcohol, the research seeks to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention in ALD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcoholic liver disease or those at risk of developing it due to alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have non-alcoholic liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse the progression of alcoholic liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.