Understanding how RNA splicing affects liver damage from alcohol
Official title: Deciphering RNA Splicing Control of Lipid Metabolism and Alcoholic Liver Injury
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11045702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a protein called SRPK2 affects liver health in people with alcohol-related liver disease, hoping to find new ways to treat this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $505,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031407-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol-associated liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease not related to alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), a serious condition with no approved treatments. The focus is on how RNA splicing, particularly involving a protein called SRPK2, influences lipid metabolism and contributes to liver injury. By studying the role of SRPK2 in liver cells, the researchers aim to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to effective treatments for ALD. The approach includes both laboratory studies in animal models and analysis of human samples to validate findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from alcohol-related liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of SRPK2 in ALD is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding liver diseases through molecular mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zang, Mengwei — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Zang, Mengwei
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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.