Understanding how liver cells contribute to fibrosis
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11087515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called synectin affects certain liver cells that play a role in liver scarring, with the hope of finding new treatments for people with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $357,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AA021171-14 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, particularly those with a history of alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver conditions unrelated to fibrosis or cirrhosis may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the development of liver fibrosis, particularly focusing on a protein called synectin that influences HSC migration and activation. By studying how synectin affects cell behavior and gene expression, the researchers aim to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treating cirrhosis. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of human tissue samples to understand the molecular mechanisms involved. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reverse liver fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting cellular mechanisms in liver fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Vijay H. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Shah, Vijay H.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of SMAD1/5/8 signaling in liver fibrosis
This grant explores how specific liver cell signals influence scarring (fibrosis) in the liver, with a focus on people who have alcohol-related liver disease or related conditions.
-
Targeting TGF-βRII to treat alcoholic liver fibrosis
A study to test a new peptide that blocks a key fibrosis signal and a gene-silencing approach to help reverse liver fibrosis caused by alcohol use.
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Understanding how RNA binding proteins drive liver scarring and how to slow it down
A researcher team is studying how certain RNA binding proteins, especially LARP6, regulate the liver’s scar-building process in alcoholic liver disease to identify potential ways to reduce fibrosis.
-
S100A9+ immune cells driving liver scarring in MASLD/MASH
Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
-
Liver fibrosis test platform using patient-derived liver tissue to speed anti-fibrosis drugs
A patient-focused liver fibrosis test platform is being developed to help speed the creation of medicines that treat liver scarring by using human-derived liver cells and tissue signals.
-
Role of HK2 in liver scarring, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer
A study in adults looks at how the enzyme HK2 helps drive liver scarring in NASH and may influence the development of liver cancer, with potential to point to new treatments.
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.