Branched-chain amino acid pathways and fatty liver (NASH)
Mechanisms linking the Branched-Chain alpha-Keto Acid regulatory network to the pathogenesis of NASH
This research tests whether changing branched-chain amino acid metabolism can lower liver fat and inflammation in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) control fat production and damage in the liver in NASH. Researchers are using animal models and molecular tools to change the activity of enzymes (BDK and PPM1K) that control BCAA breakdown and to see how that affects a fat-making enzyme called ACLY. They give a BDK-blocking compound or use gene tools in animals and measure liver fat, inflammation, and blood metabolites to connect the molecular changes to disease features. The aim is to find targets that could lead to new treatments for people with fatty liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes, would be the ideal candidates for therapies that emerge from this research.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is primarily due to alcohol, advanced decompensated cirrhosis, or unrelated genetic liver disorders are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets that reduce liver fat and inflammation and lower the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, or diabetes in people with NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies, including work by this team, have shown that blocking BDK or boosting PPM1K can reduce liver fat in animals, but testing in humans is limited and the approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Phillip J — Duke University
- Study coordinator: White, Phillip 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.