Blocking specific liver proteins to reduce fatty liver and high blood sugar
Novel Roles of Cullin-RING E3 Ligases in Liver Pathophysiology
The team is trying to block certain cell proteins called Cullin-RING ligases to lower liver fat and improve blood sugar in people with fatty liver (NAFLD/NASH) and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286827 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers are studying proteins called Cullin-RING ligases that help control liver fat and glucose. They found these proteins are overactive in human NASH livers and in mouse models, and will use lab experiments in cells and mice plus analysis of human liver samples and drug-like inhibitors that block cullin neddylation. The team will measure liver fat, insulin sensitivity, blood sugar, and the molecular signals that control glucose and lipid metabolism. Their work combines animal and laboratory models with human tissue data to find pathways that could become new treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), particularly those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without NAFLD/NASH or whose liver disease is caused by other conditions (for example viral hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease), or those with advanced cirrhosis, may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new medicines that reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar control for people with NAFLD/NASH and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical laboratory and animal studies show that blocking cullin neddylation can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce liver fat, but applying this approach in people remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Tiangang — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Li, Tiangang
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.