How nutrients affect gene regulation in liver disease
Transcription cycle regulation by nutrients
This study looks at how what we eat affects the way our genes work in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), using mice to understand how a high-fat diet might change liver health, which could help find new ways to treat this condition for people like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11085272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nutrient availability in regulating gene expression related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It focuses on the transcription process by RNA Polymerase II, particularly how the transition from initiation to elongation of transcription is influenced by environmental signals, such as diet. By studying the effects of high-fat feeding on gene regulation in mice, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases like NAFLD. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how dietary factors influence liver health and disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those with obesity or insulin resistance.
Not a fit: Patients with liver disease due to alcohol consumption or other non-nutritional factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions or treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation mechanisms related to metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morral, Nuria — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Morral, Nuria
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.