How gut bacteria affect liver cancer linked to metabolic disease
CROSSTALK BETWEEN GUT MICROBIOTA AND HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA INDUCED BY METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect liver health and the risk of liver cancer for people with a specific liver condition called MASLD, hoping to find early signs that could help in preventing serious problems down the line.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10952272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and the development of liver cancer in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The study aims to understand how changes in gut bacteria can lead to increased inflammation and liver damage, potentially resulting in cancer. By analyzing gut microbiota composition and its effects on liver health, the researchers hope to identify early indicators of liver cancer risk in these patients. This pilot study will lay the groundwork for larger studies in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who are at risk for liver cancer.
Not a fit: Patients without metabolic dysfunction or those who do not have liver disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment strategies for liver cancer in patients with metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in various diseases, but this specific approach to liver cancer in MASLD is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jalal, Prasun Kumar — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jalal, Prasun Kumar
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.