ATF6 and metabolic stress in liver cancer
Project 2: The UPR transducer ATF6 drives HCC in response to metabolic stress
This project looks at whether a protein called ATF6 helps liver cells become cancerous in people with fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189761 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare tumor and non-tumor liver tissue from people with HCC to see where ATF6 is active using advanced spatial profiling and genetic sequencing. They will test findings in preclinical human HCC models and lab-grown liver cells to trace how ATF6 and ER stress change metabolism, including cholesterol synthesis. The team will build on mouse data showing ATF6 promotes liver tumors to find molecular links that could point to new treatment targets. Results may guide therapies that block ATF6-driven pathways or correct metabolic imbalances in affected livers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) who can provide tumor or liver tissue samples during surgery or biopsy.
Not a fit: People without liver cancer or metabolic liver disease, or those needing immediate clinical treatment rather than tissue donation, are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent or slow HCC growth in patients with metabolic liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and early laboratory work suggest ATF6 can drive liver cancer, but translating these findings into proven human treatments is still new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaufman, Randal J. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Kaufman, Randal J.
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.