Understanding liver fibrosis and cirrhosis
Pathobiology of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis
This study is looking at how liver damage can lead to scarring, called fibrosis, and how certain cells in the liver change and contribute to this process, with the hope of finding new ways to treat liver diseases that could help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how liver fibrosis develops as a response to chronic liver injury, leading to cirrhosis and its serious complications. It focuses on the role of hepatic stellate cells, which transform into myofibroblasts and contribute to the production of extracellular matrix proteins that cause fibrosis. By exploring the mechanisms behind this transformation and the actin cytoskeleton's involvement, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to inhibit fibrosis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for liver diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic liver injury or conditions leading to liver fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients with acute liver injury or those without any liver disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of fibrosis in other organs, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rockey, Don C. — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rockey, Don 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.