Improving liver health by restoring lysosomal function
Official title: Lysosomal Regeneration (LysoGen) and Rescue as a Treatment for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11029527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) that helps improve liver cell function by making sure they can break down and recycle waste better, and it will be given through an IV directly to the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $642,653 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141923-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged and elderly individuals who are at risk for or diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to metabolic dysfunction or those who are not middle-aged or elderly may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by enhancing the function of lysosomes in liver cells. The approach involves creating a therapy that activates in response to the acidic environment of dysfunctional lysosomes, allowing for the release of acid to restore normal lysosomal function. By improving autophagy, the process that helps cells break down and recycle waste, this treatment aims to reduce the accumulation of harmful substances in the liver. Patients may receive this treatment through intravenous administration, targeting the liver directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that effectively treats MASLD and improves liver health.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar strategies targeting lysosomal function have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grinstaff, Mark W. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Grinstaff, Mark W.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.