How bile acids affect fat absorption and liver health

Bile acid-mediated control of lipid absorption and fatty liver disease

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11000326

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000326 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk of developing it.

Not a fit: Patients with alcoholic liver disease or those without any liver-related conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.