Understanding how liver cells interact in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Synergistic effects of ECM and heterotypic crosstalk on cellular responses in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
This project explores how liver cells communicate and respond to their surroundings in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious liver condition that can lead to advanced scarring and liver cancer, and current treatments are limited. We need a better understanding of how liver cells, especially those involved in scarring, change and interact with each other and their environment. This project uses special engineered models that mimic human liver conditions to study these cell behaviors. By carefully controlling the cell environment, we can uncover the key pathways and interactions that drive NASH. This approach helps us discover new potential treatments more effectively than traditional animal models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for future patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) who may benefit from new therapeutic strategies.
Not a fit: Patients without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the discovery of new drug targets and more effective treatments for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: While animal models have provided some insights into NASH, this project uses novel human-relevant engineered platforms to overcome species differences and facilitate new discoveries.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khetani, Salman R — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Khetani, Salman R
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 below.