How the MARCH6 protein controls liver fat in MASLD
Official title: MARCH6-ERAD in hepatic lipid metabolism and MASLD
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11346655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether restoring the liver protein MARCH6 can reduce harmful fat buildup in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $662,351 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK147277-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those with high liver fat and metabolic risk factors, would be the main group to benefit from any resulting therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose liver disease is driven primarily by alcohol, viral hepatitis, inherited lipid disorders, or those with advanced cirrhosis are less likely to benefit directly from this mechanism-focused work.
What this research studies
Researchers will study a liver protein called MARCH6 that helps tag other proteins for removal and may control the fat-producing factor SREBP1. Using gene-editing tools like CRISPR in lab-grown liver cells and mouse models, they will turn MARCH6 off and back on to see how that changes liver fat, inflammation, and scarring. The team will measure SREBP1 levels, lipogenic gene activity, and markers of steatosis and fibrosis to compare outcomes with and without MARCH6 activity. Results will show whether targeting this pathway could point to new drug strategies for MASLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that lower liver fat and slow or prevent MASLD by targeting MARCH6 or its degradation pathway.
How similar studies have gone: Early laboratory data suggest MARCH6 can regulate SREBP1 and liver lipids, but the liver-specific role of MARCH6 is largely novel and has not been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Juncheng — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Wei, Juncheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Them1’s role in fat metabolism and MASLD progression
Aims to understand how a fat-regulating protein (Them1) affects energy use in fat and liver, and how this could contribute to MASLD in people who are overweight.
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Understanding MASLD progression to MASH and liver cancer in Alaska Native communities
A patient-facing overview of a study that looks at why a common liver disease progresses to more serious conditions in Alaska Native and American Indian people.
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Pediatric MASLD: a blood test to detect liver disease progression in kids
A child-friendly blood test is being developed to spot liver disease progression in kids with MASLD without needing biopsies.
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Growth Hormone and DNA Repair in Children's MASLD outcomes
A small, patient-friendly study will explore how growth hormone and the ATM DNA repair pathway affect liver health in children with MASLD.
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Isocaloric navy bean substitution for MASLD with fibrosis
A small, patient-friendly trial tests whether swapping in navy beans for some daily calories can help adults with MASLD and liver fibrosis without changing total calories.
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S100A9+ immune cells driving liver scarring in MASLD/MASH
Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
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.