Understanding how protein folding affects liver fibrosis
Official title: Elucidating the Role and Regulation of Proteostasis in Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11085215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way proteins fold in liver cells affects liver fibrosis, a condition that can harm your liver, and it aims to find new ways to help treat this issue by understanding how certain cells react to stress from misfolded proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,028 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136812-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis resulting from chronic liver injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver conditions unrelated to fibrosis or those who are not experiencing chronic liver injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of protein folding in the development of liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to severe liver damage. It focuses on hepatic stellate cells, which are responsible for producing proteins that contribute to fibrosis. By examining how these cells respond to stress from improperly folded proteins, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to reverse fibrosis. The approach includes isolating specific cells and analyzing their genetic responses to better understand the underlying mechanisms of fibrogenesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reverse liver fibrosis and improve liver function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cellular stress responses to treat fibrosis, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maiers, Jessica L — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Maiers, Jessica L
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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.