A liver protein that helps clear blood triglycerides
A novel CREBH-derived hepatokine regulates triglyceride metabolism
Researchers are looking at whether a liver-made protein called CREBH-C can help lower high blood triglycerides in people at risk for diabetes, fatty liver, or heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies a protein released from the liver (CREBH-C) and how it helps the body break down and remove triglycerides from the blood. Scientists are examining how CREBH-C interacts with other blood proteins (ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8) to free the enzyme LPL that clears triglycerides, using laboratory experiments and animal models. They measure blood triglyceride levels and how fat is distributed in tissues to see how the protein changes metabolism. Results could point toward new treatments to lower triglycerides and protect against diabetes, fatty liver, and heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with high triglyceride levels, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: People with normal triglyceride levels or certain genetic lipid disorders that act through unrelated pathways may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to lower blood triglycerides and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular events.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting ANGPTL3 have lowered blood lipids in patients, but using the liver-derived CREBH-C protein to adjust this pathway is a newer approach mainly tested in animals and lab studies so far.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Kezhong — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Kezhong
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.