How liver scar cells drive NASH scarring and liver cancer
Hepatic stellate cells in NASH fibrosis and HCC
This work tests whether blocking a specific signal between scar-forming liver cells can reduce scarring and lower the risk of liver cancer in people with MASH/NASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying hepatic stellate cells (the liver's scar-forming cells) to see how their self-signaling creates a tissue environment that promotes liver cancer. They focus on a signaling pair called NTF3-NTRK3 and use mouse models, human liver slices, advanced imaging, and molecular methods to map cell contacts and test targeted blocking of the signal. Prior lab work found that blocking this signal reduced fibrosis in human tissue and lowered fibrosis and cancer in mice, and the team will now define how that signaling drives cancer and whether antagonism can prevent HCC. Patients may be asked to donate liver tissue or participate in future clinical studies tied to this work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH/NASH), especially those with advanced fibrosis or at higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future trials.
Not a fit: People without fatty-liver disease or whose liver problems are caused by unrelated conditions (for example certain viral or genetic liver diseases) are less likely to benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that reduce liver scarring and help prevent liver cancer in people with MASH/NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical work showed that blocking NTF3-NTRK3 reduced fibrosis in human liver slices and decreased fibrosis and HCC in mice, so the approach has promising laboratory support but has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Scott L. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Scott L.
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.