Understanding how the liver's support structure affects scarring in liver disease
Extracellular Matrix Regulates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Fibrosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11072900
This work aims to uncover the basic processes that cause liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, in people with chronic liver conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11072900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Liver scarring, or fibrosis, is a serious problem that can lead to cirrhosis, a life-threatening condition. To find better ways to treat liver fibrosis, we need to understand exactly how it develops. Our previous work showed that a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA), which was thought to be just a marker for fibrosis, actually plays an active role in causing it. We found that a specific form of HA activates certain cells in the liver, called hepatic stellate cells, which then contribute to scarring. This project will explore how this active form of HA is created and how it promotes liver fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of liver fibrosis due to conditions like hepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical interventions will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medications that specifically target the processes causing liver fibrosis, potentially preventing or reversing liver damage.
How similar studies have performed: Our previous work has already identified hyaluronic acid as an active player in liver fibrosis, building on existing knowledge that previously only recognized it as a biomarker.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SEKI, EKIHIRO — CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SEKI, EKIHIRO
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 below.
Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Diseases