Cholesterol and inflammation in NASH
Disturbed Crosstalk between Cholesterol Homeostasis and Inflammation Resolution in NASH
This project looks at how problems with cholesterol handling inside liver cells and with inflammation may lead to scarring in people with NASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11456908 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a liver protein called EHBP1 that is reduced in human livers with advanced fibrosis and linked to higher LDL cholesterol levels. They will analyze human liver single-cell data and use human and mouse liver cells in the lab to see how EHBP1 affects LDL receptors, cellular cholesterol, and the TAZ pathway that can drive fibrosis. The team will trace how cholesterol accumulation and disrupted inflammation resolution connect to liver scarring. Results are intended to point to biological steps that could be targeted to prevent or slow fibrosis in NASH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those with signs of liver fibrosis, would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People with liver disease unrelated to NASH or those with very advanced, end-stage liver failure may be unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for therapies that prevent or reduce liver fibrosis in people with NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown cholesterol buildup and the TAZ pathway can promote fibrosis, but targeting EHBP1 is a novel approach that has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Bishuang — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cai, Bishuang
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.