How metabolic stress affects liver cancer development
Official title: Project 3: Metabolic stress induces mitochondrial dysfunction through STARD1 and SAB leading to HCC
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10935867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress and overeating can affect liver health and lead to liver cancer, focusing on certain proteins that might play a role, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent and treat these conditions for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $532,804 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA281819-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or type-2 diabetes who are at risk for liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic disorders or liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between metabolic stress and liver cancer, specifically focusing on how proteins STARD1 and SAB contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver. By examining the effects of chronic stress and overnutrition on liver cells, the study aims to understand how these factors lead to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and ultimately liver cancer. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to manipulate gene expression and observe the resulting changes in liver function and cancer progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the mechanisms of liver cancer, potentially leading to new prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating liver cancer associated with obesity and diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of metabolic stress in liver diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaplowitz, Neil — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Kaplowitz, Neil
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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.