How redox balance and a sugar tag (O-GlcNAc) affect alcohol-related fatty liver

Redox Regulation of O-GlcNAcylation Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11324191

Researchers are examining whether changes in liver oxidative balance and a protein sugar tag called O-GlcNAc influence fat buildup in people who drink alcohol.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11324191 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project looks at how the liver's antioxidant system (glutathione) and a cellular modification called O-GlcNAc change the way alcohol causes fat to collect in the liver. Investigators use genetically altered mice and molecular, metabolomic, and multi-omics approaches to map signaling pathways such as AMPK and NRF2 that respond to low glutathione. They focus on post-transcriptional changes and redox-sensitive protein modifications that might protect the liver or be targeted by therapies. The goal is to identify new preventive, diagnostic, or treatment targets for alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with alcohol-associated fatty liver disease or heavy alcohol use could be the kinds of patients who might benefit from follow-up clinical trials stemming from this research.

Not a fit: Patients without alcohol-related liver disease or those with very advanced cirrhosis may not directly benefit from these basic science findings in the short term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new biomarkers or treatment targets to prevent or reduce alcohol-related fatty liver.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research links oxidative stress, glutathione, AMPK, and NRF2 to alcohol liver injury, but targeting redox-regulated O-GlcNAc signaling is a newer and less-tested approach.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.