Understanding how urea cycle disorders affect liver metabolism
DISSECTING THE LINK BETWEEN UREAGENESIS AND HEPATIC GLYCOGEN METABOLISM
This study is looking at how urea cycle disorders can affect liver health, especially why some patients still develop liver problems even with better treatments, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent these issues for people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11014361 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between urea cycle disorders (UCDs) and liver metabolism, particularly focusing on how these disorders can lead to chronic liver disease despite improved treatments. The study aims to explore the mechanisms behind excess glycogen accumulation in the liver, which is a common issue in patients with UCDs like argininosuccinate lyase deficiency. By using mouse models, researchers will examine how disruptions in energy metabolism due to urea cycle dysfunction contribute to liver disease. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic strategies to prevent liver complications in affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with urea cycle disorders, particularly those experiencing liver complications.
Not a fit: Patients without urea cycle disorders or those whose liver disease is unrelated to metabolic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target liver disease in patients with urea cycle disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on urea cycle disorders, this research aims to explore novel mechanisms that have not been extensively tested in relation to liver disease.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burrage, Lindsay C — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Burrage, Lindsay C
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.