Investigating how a specific enzyme protects liver cells from injury
Official title: Nuclear ATP citrate lyase and ischemia/reperfusion injury in steatotic liver
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10932653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called ACLY helps keep liver cells healthy and safe from damage, especially for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and it will explore how another enzyme, AMPK, helps control ACLY's movement in the liver cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $575,339 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139942-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk of liver injury due to metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to fatty liver or those with advanced liver failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), an enzyme involved in energy metabolism, can help protect liver cells from damage, particularly in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study will explore how ACLY moves to the nucleus of liver cells and how this process is regulated by another enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). By using advanced cell biology techniques and genetically modified models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this protective effect and how it can be enhanced to improve liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for protecting liver cells and treating liver diseases, potentially improving outcomes for patients with fatty liver conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of metabolic enzymes in liver protection, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Weizhen — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Weizhen
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.