Investigating genetic and environmental risks of liver cancer in Latinos
Official title: Genetic and Environmental risk of NAFLD-related HCC In All Latinos: the GENIAL Study
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10932985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and the environment affect the risk of liver cancer in Latino people with fatty liver disease, and it aims to include a wide range of participants to better understand these factors and improve personalized care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $329,649 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA288421-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Latino individuals who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Latino or who do not have NAFLD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) specifically in Latino populations. The study aims to include a diverse group of Latino individuals to better capture the genetic variations that may influence disease risk. Researchers will utilize advanced methodologies such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and phenome-wide association studies to identify novel genetic associations and develop personalized risk assessments. By collaborating with existing health initiatives, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of NAFLD and HCC in a population that has been historically underrepresented in medical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and personalized treatment strategies for Latino patients at risk of liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using genome-wide association studies to identify genetic risks in other populations, suggesting that this approach could be effective in studying Latinos as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Patricia Denise — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jones, Patricia Denise
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.