Genes behind fatty liver disease and NASH
Systems Genetics Dissection of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
This project looks at how specific genes change fatty liver disease and scarring to help guide better tests and treatments for people with NAFLD/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-11333754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using genetic and molecular tools to find which genes drive nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its inflammatory form, NASH. They measure RNA, proteins, and small molecules (omics) and then test the effects of altering those genes in mice to see whether liver inflammation and scarring goes down. The team is focusing on two genes (Mgp and Igfbp4) and will use liver-cell specific gene knockouts and sex-chromosome models to understand sex differences in disease. Findings are intended to point to new drug targets or blood tests that could one day help patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with NAFLD or NASH, especially those with liver fibrosis, would be the most likely candidates for future trials or tests based on these findings.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is caused primarily by alcohol or by unrelated conditions may not benefit from findings focused on NAFLD/NASH genetics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify gene targets or biomarkers that lead to new treatments or earlier detection to reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse experiments by the team showed that changing Mgp and Igfbp4 levels reduced liver fibrosis in animals, but applying these results to humans has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lusis, Aldons Jake — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Lusis, Aldons Jake
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.