Understanding how lysosome damage contributes to liver disease from alcohol use
Official title: Role of Lysosome Damage in ALD Pathogenesis
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10990752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol affects liver cells, especially how it damages tiny structures called lysosomes, which can lead to liver problems; the goal is to find new ways to treat or prevent alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $402,937 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AA030333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption who are experiencing liver-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver disease due to non-alcoholic causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular changes that occur in the liver due to alcohol consumption, particularly focusing on how damage to lysosomes affects liver health. The study aims to identify specific alterations caused by alcohol metabolites that lead to lysosome damage in liver cells, which can result in cell death and inflammation. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover potential new treatment targets for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The findings could help improve disease prognosis and develop therapies to prevent or alleviate ALD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on liver damage due to alcohol, the specific focus on lysosome damage in this context is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomes, Paul Gideon — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Thomes, Paul Gideon
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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.