How the liver protein Ube4A helps prevent fatty liver disease
Determining hepatocyte-specific mechanisms by which Ube4A regulates NAFLD/NASH
Researchers will look at how a liver protein called Ube4A helps liver cells survive stress in people with obesity-related fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11348721 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have obesity-related fatty liver disease, and this project focuses on a liver protein called Ube4A that may help liver cells handle stress. The team will use lab-grown liver cells and mouse models plus molecular tools (including viral gene methods and biochemical assays) to study how Ube4A controls the unfolded protein response, DNA damage signaling, and cell survival. They will examine how Ube4A interacts with IP6K1 and ER-associated protein degradation pathways that are linked to NASH. The goal is to understand mechanisms that could point to new ways to protect liver cells from obesity-related injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the group this research aims to help.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is caused mainly by viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use, or unrelated genetic liver disorders may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to slow or prevent progression of fatty liver and NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work has linked Ube4A/IP6K1 and stress-response pathways to metabolic dysfunction, but applying these findings specifically to NASH is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Anutosh — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Anutosh
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.