Impaired VLDL Secretion and NAFLD/NASH Progression in Mice and Humans
Official title: Impaired VLDL secretion in progression of NAFLD and NASH in mice and humans
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11369595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand why impaired VLDL secretion helps drive fatty liver disease and liver cancer, with a focus on people and mouse models who have NAFLD/NASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $554,435 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK119437-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with NAFLD/NASH who show impaired hepatic VLDL secretion or relevant genetic variants, plus appropriate animal model studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NAFLD/NASH or without impaired VLDL secretion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how problems with VLDL secretion contribute to liver damage and cancer in both mice and humans. It uses genetic mouse models mimicking human TM6SF2 variants and compares them with patients who show impaired VLDL secretion and NAFLD. The team plans to identify shared pathways that could become drug targets to reverse fibrosis and prevent hepatocellular carcinoma. The research combines animal studies, human data, and translational plans to tailor future therapies for high-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets to prevent fibrosis and liver cancer in patients with NAFLD/NASH who have impaired VLDL secretion.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in mouse models align with human genetic findings, suggesting potential translational relevance, though targeting VLDL pathways is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, Nicholas O. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Davidson, Nicholas O.
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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.