Investigating how a specific protein affects liver disease related to obesity
Official title: Role of SMPDL3B in obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11095816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called SMPDL3B to see how it affects liver inflammation in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) linked to obesity, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $478,167 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131786-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity who are at risk for or diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a protein called SMPDL3B in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with obesity. It aims to understand how this protein interacts with immune cells in the liver and contributes to inflammation and disease progression. The study will utilize both animal models and human liver organoids to assess the mechanisms involved and test potential therapeutic strategies to block harmful interactions that worsen liver inflammation. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for NAFLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from obesity-related liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of liver inflammation related to obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Shuxia — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Wang, Shuxia
Related research
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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.