How inflammation affects liver function and insulin sensitivity
Official title: Innate immune regulation of hepatic insulin sensitivity and metabolism
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10868739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and aims to understand how certain immune factors might help us find new ways to treat this common liver condition that currently has no approved medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $164,678 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK125762-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868739 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 due to obesity or metabolic syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with alcoholic liver disease or other liver conditions unrelated to inflammation and insulin resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common chronic liver condition without FDA-approved treatments. It focuses on how certain immune factors, specifically interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), influence liver metabolism and insulin signaling. By studying mice with modified IRF3 genes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which inflammation leads to insulin resistance and fat accumulation in the liver. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing NAFLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, improving liver health and insulin sensitivity for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammation in metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Suraj J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patel, Suraj J
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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.