Acid ceramidase's role in liver scarring
Dissecting the Acid Ceramidase Pathway in Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Trying to block the enzyme acid ceramidase to reduce liver scarring in people with chronic liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11374810 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying how the enzyme acid ceramidase and the lipid ceramide control scarring in the liver. They will use laboratory experiments, animal models, and analysis of gene patterns from patient liver samples to see how ceramide affects the YAP/TAZ pathway and extracellular matrix remodeling. The team will refine and validate a Ceramide Responsiveness Score (CRS) to identify patients whose fibrosis is driven by this pathway. They also plan to explore safer ways to target acid ceramidase so treatments reduce scarring without harmful side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic liver disease and evidence of hepatic fibrosis, especially those with advanced fibrosis, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without liver fibrosis, with very early disease, or whose scarring is driven by unrelated mechanisms may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antifibrotic treatments and a biomarker that identifies patients most likely to benefit.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in cells and animal models showed that targeting acid ceramidase reduces fibrosis and the CRS is higher in patients with advanced fibrosis, but human clinical evidence is still limited.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jennifer Y. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jennifer Y.
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.