Investigating how circadian rhythms affect liver cancer progression from fatty liver disease
Official title: 3D Circadian Enhancer-Promoter Interactions Mediated by ESRRG in NAFLD-to-HCC Progression
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11028722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's natural clock affects the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to liver cancer, hoping to find new ways to improve treatment for patients with NAFLD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $483,077 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA296577-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11028722 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any liver disease or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between circadian rhythms and the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It focuses on understanding how disruptions in these rhythms may contribute to cancer development. By analyzing gene interactions and the role of specific transcription factors, the study aims to uncover new insights into the mechanisms behind this progression. Patients with NAFLD may benefit from findings that could lead to improved treatment strategies based on timing and circadian biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that optimize treatment timing for patients with liver disease, potentially reducing the risk of developing liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of circadian rhythms in cancer development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guan, Dongyin — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Guan, Dongyin
Related research
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Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
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-
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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.
-
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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.
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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.