Understanding how liver cells contribute to fibrosis
Official title: Determination of Molecular Mechanism of Stellate Cell-Mediated Fibrosis
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11045735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain liver cells help cause liver scarring, which can happen with long-term liver problems, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this condition by understanding how these cells behave when there's not enough oxygen in the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,536 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138591-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver conditions or those without significant fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which liver cells, specifically hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), contribute to the development of liver fibrosis, a serious condition resulting from chronic liver diseases. The study focuses on how these cells invade and remodel the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for the progression of fibrosis. By examining the role of a specific transcription factor, WT1, the research aims to uncover how its expression is regulated in response to low oxygen levels in the liver, potentially leading to new antifibrotic therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the underlying processes of liver fibrosis, which could inform future treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse liver fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with chronic liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seki, Ekihiro — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Seki, Ekihiro
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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.