Genetic causes of fatty liver disease in Hispanic adults
Research Project 1 - Hepatocellular Genetic Epidemiology of Fatty Liver Disease in Hispanics
Looking at how genetic differences affect liver cells and fatty liver risk in Hispanic adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109547 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies why fatty liver disease is common in Hispanic adults by combining genetic data with lab-grown liver cells made from participants' samples. Researchers will convert participant cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), grow them into hepatocyte-like cells, and measure how those cells respond to stresses tied to fatty liver. They will link those cellular responses to genetic variants found in Hispanic populations to identify biomarkers and risk genes. The work aims to improve individual risk prediction and point to new prevention or treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Hispanic adults (about age 21 and older) with or without fatty liver disease who can provide blood or tissue samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People under 21, non-Hispanic individuals, or anyone unable or unwilling to provide biological samples likely would not be eligible or directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve prediction of fatty liver risk among Hispanic patients and identify targets for new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic studies have identified fatty liver risk genes (for example PNPLA3), but applying deep cellular phenotyping of patient-derived liver cells is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Edinburg, United States
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Edinburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curran, Joanne E. — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Curran, Joanne E.
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.