Improving liver health by targeting aging liver cells in fatty liver disease
Official title: Targeting Hepatocyte Senescence to Improve NAFLD
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11036370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging liver cells might make non-alcoholic fatty liver disease worse, and it hopes to find ways to stop these cells from building up, which could help people with this condition in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $143,747 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DK135793-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those experiencing symptoms or complications related to the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those with other unrelated liver conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of aging liver cells, known as senescent hepatocytes, in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aims to understand how these cells contribute to the disease and to explore potential ways to prevent their accumulation. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR and chemical screening, the researchers will analyze the molecular mechanisms behind hepatocyte senescence and its impact on liver health. Patients with NAFLD may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve liver health and outcomes for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cellular senescence in various diseases, suggesting that this approach may be effective for NAFLD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Kuo — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Du, Kuo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
We’re following people over time to see how the gut microbiome and diet relate to fatty liver disease progression in diverse racial/ethnic groups.
-
Genetic and environmental risk for fatty liver cancer in Latinos (GENIAL)
A study to understand why Latino people with fatty liver disease might be more likely to develop liver cancer and to use genetic and environmental clues to predict who is at higher risk.
-
Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
-
Role of cholesterol metabolism in toxin-driven liver disease
This grant explores how a liver toxin called TCDD affects cholesterol and fatty liver disease, and how a key enzyme (HMGCR) might change that risk in adults.
-
Small blood particle signals and fatty liver in children and teens
Researchers are looking at whether molecules carried in tiny blood particles can explain or signal fatty liver disease in children and adolescents with excess weight.
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.