How metabolic stress affects liver cancer development

Project 3: Metabolic stress induces mitochondrial dysfunction through STARD1 and SAB leading to HCC

NIH-funded research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10935867

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 typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10935867 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or type-2 diabetes who are at risk for liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients without metabolic disorders or liver disease may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.