Investigating a gene's role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Official title: The Role of Gm4951 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10997332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene affects fat buildup in the liver of mice on a high-fat diet, which helps researchers find new ways to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $324,720 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK130959-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease caused by alcohol consumption or other non-genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by studying a specific gene, Gm4951, in mice. The researchers will use a high-fat diet to induce a disease model that closely resembles NAFLD in humans. By examining how variations in this gene affect liver fat accumulation, they aim to uncover potential new therapeutic strategies for treating NAFLD. The study involves advanced genetic screening and mapping techniques to identify mutations that contribute to the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, improving health outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic factors in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhao — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhao
Related research
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This project looks at how a person’s genes and the amounts of metals in their liver together relate to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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Gm4951 gene and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Researchers are looking at whether changes in the Gm4951 gene affect how much fat builds up in the liver for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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.