Investigating how DNA damage affects liver health in children with fatty liver disease
Official title: Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM)-mediated hepatic DNA damage in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10894167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect liver health in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, helping us understand why kids can get sicker faster than adults and how we can better support their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,184 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK125881-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to fatty liver or those who are adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (PNAFLD), which is a leading cause of chronic liver disease in children. The study aims to understand how the ATM gene and its associated pathways contribute to liver damage and the progression of fatty liver to more severe conditions like steatohepatitis. By examining the mechanisms of liver injury and repair, the research seeks to uncover why children may experience faster disease progression compared to adults. The approach includes both basic and translational research methods to explore the relationship between DNA damage and liver regeneration in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children suffering from fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the ATM gene's role in liver disease progression in adults has been successful, suggesting potential for similar insights in pediatric populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viswanathan, Preeti — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Viswanathan, Preeti
Related research
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Gm4951 gene and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
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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.