Investigating how a protein affects bile acid metabolism and metabolic health.
Official title: Forkhead Box A3 and Bile Acid Metabolism
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11200357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called FOXA3 affects the way our bodies handle bile acids, which are important for digesting food and keeping our metabolism in balance, and it's especially for people interested in conditions like fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $530,453 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK121548-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11200357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at risk for or suffering from metabolic disorders like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called Forkhead Box A3 (FOXA3) in the metabolism of bile acids, which are crucial for nutrient absorption and metabolic regulation. The study will utilize genetically modified mice to explore how FOXA3 influences bile acid synthesis and its potential effects on conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. By examining both the activation and inhibition of FOXA3, the research aims to uncover new insights into metabolic homeostasis and its regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of FOXA3 in bile acid metabolism is not well-studied, research on bile acids and metabolic regulation has shown promising results in related areas.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yanqiao — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yanqiao
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.