Understanding how liver proteins affect bile acid metabolism
Official title: Novel role of hepatic SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD in bile acid metabolism
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11030278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the liver help manage bile acids, which are important for digestion and overall health, and it aims to find out how problems with these proteins might lead to liver issues and conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | November 30, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,085 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120330-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cholestatic liver disease, obesity, or type-2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver conditions unrelated to bile acid metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific liver proteins, SEL1L and HRD1, in the metabolism of bile acids, which are crucial for digestion and metabolic health. By using specialized mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover how these proteins contribute to maintaining bile acid balance and how their dysfunction may lead to liver diseases and metabolic disorders like obesity and type-2 diabetes. The study focuses on a newly identified feedback mechanism that regulates bile acid synthesis, potentially offering insights into new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for liver diseases and metabolic disorders, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bile acid metabolism, but this specific approach is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qi, Ling — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Qi, Ling
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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.