How bile acids affect fat absorption and liver health
Official title: Bile acid-mediated control of lipid absorption and fatty liver disease
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11000326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bile acids affect the way our bodies absorb fats and how this might help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by using a new method to change certain genes in the liver.
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 start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138340-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000326 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 those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with alcoholic liver disease or those without any liver-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bile acids in controlling lipid absorption and their impact on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using a novel AAV-CRISPR strategy, the study aims to disrupt specific genes involved in bile acid metabolism within the liver. This approach will help to understand how bile acids influence the absorption of different fatty acids and potentially reduce lipid accumulation in the liver. The findings could lead to new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating fatty liver disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce fatty liver disease and its complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bile acid signaling, but this specific approach using AAV-CRISPR is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vallim, Thomas a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Vallim, Thomas a
Related research
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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.