Investigating how fat accumulation in the liver leads to liver cancer.
Jumonji enzyme action in hepatocellular carcinoma onset
This study is looking at how fat buildup in the liver can change liver cells and possibly lead to liver cancer, especially in people with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat liver cancer for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11013379 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the molecular changes that occur in liver cells due to fat accumulation, which can lead to liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma. It aims to explore the connection between altered energy metabolism and epigenetic changes in liver cells, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study will establish metabolic biomarkers and target specific vulnerabilities that arise during the progression to liver cancer. By examining the role of certain enzymes that modify chromatin, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat liver cancer in at-risk patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Not a fit: Patients without fatty liver disease or those with other types of liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for liver cancer in patients with fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic and epigenetic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Elisabeth D — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Elisabeth D
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 below.