How GDNF may protect the liver from fat buildup
Mechanism of GDNF Regulation of Hepatic Steatosis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11224040
This project looks at whether a protein called GDNF helps liver cells avoid fat buildup and damage in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11224040 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the protein GDNF affects liver cells using a mix of approaches including human liver tissue, lab-grown human liver cells, and mouse models that overproduce GDNF. They measure processes that clear damaged cell parts (autophagy/mitophagy), track cell-death signals (apoptosis), and monitor related proteins like Sirt3 and GFRα-1. The team will map the signaling steps by which GDNF might reduce liver fat and prevent injury. Findings aim to explain why GDNF levels are lower in fatty and fibrotic human livers and how boosting GDNF pathways could protect the liver.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any future clinical work based on this project would be adults with or at high risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially those with obesity or metabolic syndrome.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is primarily caused by alcohol, viral hepatitis, or who already have advanced cirrhosis may not benefit from findings focused on NAFLD mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or slow non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and reduce liver injury in people at risk.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal and cell studies from this group and others show promising protective effects of GDNF, but benefits in people have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Decatur, UNITED STATES
- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION — Decatur, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SRINIVASAN, SHANTHI K — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- Study coordinator: SRINIVASAN, SHANTHI K
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.
Conditions: Cellular injury