16α-hydroxylated bile acids and how they control energy intake and liver fat
Official title: Physiological role of 16a- hydroxylated bile acid in energy intake and hepatic lipid metabolism.
Funded at St. John's University · NIH-11391213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how a specific form of bile acid (with a 16α hydroxyl group) influences how much people eat and how fat is processed in the liver, using cells and animal models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. John's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Queens, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16DK147915-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with obesity or metabolic syndrome, or patients at risk for fatty liver disease, who may benefit from future translational therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic health concerns may derive limited direct benefit, as the study focuses on basic biology in cells and mice.
What this research studies
This project will explore how 16α-hydroxylated bile acids affect energy balance and hepatic fat metabolism. Researchers will study liver cells and intestinal organoids, measure mitochondrial function, and use mouse models with tissue-specific gene edits to uncover the mechanisms. The goal is to identify how these bile acids trigger bioactive lipids that regulate appetite and liver fat. Findings could point to new ways to prevent obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to help people control appetite and reduce fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that bile acids can influence metabolism, but the specific 16α-hydroxylated form’s role is not yet established.
Where this research is happening
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St. John's University
Queens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Higuchi, Sei — St. John's University
- Study coordinator: Higuchi, Sei
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.