Investigating how a specific receptor helps protect the liver from fat buildup
Official title: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated differential gene regulation - Mechanism of stanniocalcin 2 mediated protection against NAFLD
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11325117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural compound called cinnabarinic acid can help protect the liver from fat buildup in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by activating a specific receptor, which could lead to new treatments for better liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 12, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $333,863 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK122028-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with alcoholic liver disease or those without any liver-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and its role in regulating liver health, particularly in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study explores how a natural compound, cinnabarinic acid, activates this receptor to promote the expression of a protective gene called stanniocalcin 2, which may help reduce fat accumulation in the liver. By using advanced models, including genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and how it can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Patients may benefit from insights gained about liver health and potential new treatments for fatty liver disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in liver health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joshi, Aditya D — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Joshi, Aditya D
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.
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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.