Understanding how mitochondrial stress affects liver health
Official title: Mitochondrial stress in liver function and dysfunction
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10909565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny powerhouses in your liver cells, called mitochondria, handle stress and stay healthy, especially focusing on a protein called OPA1, to help us learn more about how the liver can keep working well even when things go wrong, which could help us understand liver diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $438,900 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK136753-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with liver conditions or those at risk for liver diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-liver related health issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondria in liver function and how they respond to stress. It focuses on a specific protein, OPA1, which is crucial for mitochondrial health. By studying mice with a genetic modification that affects OPA1, researchers aim to uncover how the liver maintains its function despite mitochondrial dysfunction. The goal is to understand the integrated stress response that helps the liver cope with challenges, which could lead to new insights into liver diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving liver health and treating liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function in various organs, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Weiqin — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Weiqin
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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.