Understanding how liver cells contribute to fibrosis in chronic liver diseases
Official title: Autophagy and Hepatic Stellate cells activation
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11094109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process called autophagy affects certain liver cells that can lead to scarring in the liver, especially in people with chronic liver diseases like those caused by alcohol or metabolic issues, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat liver damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $251,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185281-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic liver diseases, particularly those related to alcohol use or metabolic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver injuries or those without chronic liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of autophagy in the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are crucial in the development of liver fibrosis associated with chronic liver diseases. By examining how autophagy affects these cells, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to liver injury and fibrosis, particularly in conditions related to alcohol and metabolic dysfunction. The research employs various cellular and molecular techniques to explore the relationship between autophagy and liver cell activation, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to prevent or treat liver fibrosis.
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 understanding the role of autophagy in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nighot, Prashant — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Nighot, Prashant
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.