Why newborn bile ducts scar and block in biliary atresia
Injury, Progression, and Fibrosis of the Extrahepatic Bile Duct
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11402538
Researchers are looking at how fetal versus newborn wound-healing leads to scarring or healing of the bile duct in babies with biliary atresia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11402538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be hearing from a team comparing how the bile duct responds to injury before birth versus after birth to understand why the disease gets worse so quickly in some babies. They look at the molecules and cells involved in fetal healing (which favors regeneration) and the switch to adult healing (which favors scarring). The work uses tissue samples and laboratory models to reproduce injury and the birth-associated change in healing programs. Their aim is to find what allows some infants to recover and others to progress to fibrosis and bile duct blockage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to newborns and infants with biliary atresia and to families willing to provide tissue samples or clinical information.
Not a fit: Adults with unrelated liver diseases or patients whose bile duct issues arise from other causes may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent bile duct scarring in infants with biliary atresia, potentially reducing surgeries and the need for liver transplant.
How similar studies have performed: Fetal wound-healing patterns promoting regeneration have been documented in other tissues, but applying those concepts specifically to the newborn extrahepatic bile duct and biliary atresia is new.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WELLS, REBECCA G — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: WELLS, REBECCA G
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.