Exploring how a protein called folliculin affects fat secretion in liver disease.
Official title: Investigating folliculin as a regulator of VLDL-TG secretion in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11015848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called folliculin affects fat release from the liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more serious form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to find new ways to help improve liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,796 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK135277-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease due to alcohol consumption or other non-metabolic causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein known as folliculin in the regulation of fat secretion from the liver, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study aims to understand how folliculin influences various lipid processes in the liver, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. By examining the effects of folliculin on fat metabolism in laboratory models, researchers hope to identify potential targets for treatment that could improve liver health and reduce disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from NAFLD and NASH, potentially preventing severe liver complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting lipid metabolism for treating liver diseases, making this approach a potentially valuable avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thorsheim, Chelsea — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Thorsheim, Chelsea
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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.