Investigating a protein's role in cholesterol transport and fatty liver disease
Official title: An ER Stress Inducible START Domain Cholesterol Transport Protein, StarD5; and Unique Role in Fatty Liver Disease
Funded at VA Veterans Administration Hospital · NIH-10951505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called StarD5 affects cholesterol movement in liver cells and how this relates to fatty liver disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage liver health for people dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Veterans Administration Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005895-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk of developing liver complications due to cholesterol metabolism issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to cholesterol metabolism or those who do not have fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, StarD5, influences cholesterol transport within liver cells and its connection to fatty liver disease. The study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms behind the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to more severe liver conditions, such as inflammation and cirrhosis. By examining how StarD5 is affected by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for managing cholesterol levels and liver health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for fatty liver disease and its complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating fatty liver disease and its progression to more severe liver conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cholesterol metabolism and its impact on liver health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Veterans Administration Hospital
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pandak, William M — VA Veterans Administration Hospital
- Study coordinator: Pandak, William M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
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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.
-
Glutamine and T cells in fatty liver disease
A study explores how liver glutamine levels affect inflammatory CD4+ T cells in fatty liver disease to find potential new ways to reduce liver inflammation.
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.