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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Real Time Monitoring of Intracellular Bile Acid Dynamics Using a Genetically Encoded FRET-based Bile Acid Sensor
Published on: January 4, 2016
Inborn Errors of Bile Acid Metabolism
James E Heubi1, Kenneth D R Setchell1, Kevin E Bove1
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 240 Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 240 Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Inborn errors of bile acid metabolism cause neonatal cholestasis and liver disease. Diagnosis involves testing for hyperbilirubinemia with normal bile acids, and cholic acid treats many defects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Pediatric Hepatology
Background:
- Inborn errors of bile acid metabolism are rare genetic disorders.
- These conditions can lead to neonatal cholestasis and liver disease in children and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic considerations for inborn errors of bile acid metabolism.
- To discuss the therapeutic efficacy of cholic acid in managing these disorders.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is considered in cases of hyperbilirubinemia with normal serum bile acids.
- Diagnostic confirmation is achieved through urinary liquid secondary ionization mass spectrometry or DNA testing.
Main Results:
- Cholic acid demonstrates effectiveness in treating most single-enzyme defects.
- Cholic acid is also beneficial for patients with Zellweger spectrum disorder and liver disease.
Conclusions:
- Early consideration and accurate diagnosis of inborn errors of bile acid metabolism are crucial.
- Cholic acid represents a key therapeutic agent for a significant subset of these rare liver diseases.
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