How a gut enzyme affects intestinal sugar patterns and fatty liver disease
The role of neutral ceramidase in intestinal fucosylation and liver steatosis and inflammation
This work looks at whether changing a gut enzyme called neutral ceramidase can alter intestinal sugar coatings, reduce gut leakiness, and lower inflammation linked to obesity-related fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322041 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying how an enzyme in the gut lining (neutral ceramidase) controls sugar decorations on intestinal cells that help keep gut bacteria in balance. In mice fed a high-fat diet, they remove this enzyme in gut cells and track changes in intestinal fucosylation, gut barrier leakiness, inflammatory signals like IL-22, and the types of molecules made by gut cells. They also follow how those altered gut molecules interact with liver immune cells to switch them toward an anti-inflammatory state. The team combines genetic mouse models, dietary challenges, biochemical analysis of lipids and glycans, and immune profiling to map the gut–liver connections that drive fatty liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or individuals with fatty liver linked to metabolic syndrome would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical work stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose liver disease is driven primarily by alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or advanced cirrhosis are less likely to benefit directly from interventions targeting this gut enzyme pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to strengthen the gut barrier and lower liver inflammation, opening paths to treatments for obesity-related fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related strategies that target the gut microbiome and immune signals have shown promise in animal models, but the specific role of neutral ceramidase and fucosylated gangliosides is a newer, largely preclinical finding.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Zhong-Bin — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Deng, Zhong-Bin
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.