How the liver protein STC2 and a natural cell sensor may protect against fatty liver
Official title: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated differential gene regulation - Mechanism of stanniocalcin 2 mediated protection against NAFLD
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11337454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether a naturally made chemical that turns on a cell sensor and the liver protein stanniocalcin 2 can protect people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease from fat buildup and damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 12, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $324,713 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK122028-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or early non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) would be the most relevant group for future related trials.
✕Less likely to help
People whose liver problems are primarily from alcohol, viral hepatitis, or advanced cirrhosis are less likely to benefit from findings focused on NAFLD mechanisms.
What this research studies
This work follows signals in liver cells to see how cinnabarinic acid activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and boosts the protective protein STC2. The team uses cell models that mimic fatty liver and genetically modified mice lacking STC2 in liver cells to track effects on fat production and metabolism. Results from these lab and animal experiments will help pinpoint the molecular steps by which STC2 reduces liver fat. By understanding the mechanism, researchers hope to guide development of treatments that mimic this protective pathway for people with NAFLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that reduce liver fat and lower the chance of NAFLD getting worse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory and mouse work from this group showed cinnabarinic acid protected against fatty liver via AhR and STC2, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
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Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joshi, Aditya D — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Joshi, Aditya D
Related research
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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.