Investigating how a specific receptor affects liver fat metabolism and disease

The Role of ERRa in liver lipid dysfunction and pathology

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10983788

This study is looking at a new medicine that can help reduce fat buildup in the liver and improve liver health for people with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10983788 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) and its role in regulating genes that control fat metabolism in the liver. The team has developed a new small molecule inhibitor, ERR-PA, which blocks ERR's action and has shown promise in preventing and reversing liver fat accumulation in models of liver disease. By using both dietary and genetic models, the research aims to uncover how inhibiting ERR can reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis associated with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from liver disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases not related to fat metabolism or those without liver conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively treat or prevent liver diseases related to fat metabolism.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways in the liver can lead to significant improvements in liver health, suggesting this approach has potential.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitusalcohol induced hepatic injuryalcohol induced liver disorderalcohol induced liver injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.