Investigating how hexokinase 2 affects liver fibrosis and cancer development.
Official title: The role of hexokinase 2 in liver fibrosis and NASH-induced HCC
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10979302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called hexokinase 2 affects certain liver cells that can lead to liver scarring and cancer in people with a liver condition called NASH, with the goal of finding new ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $599,299 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285576-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and are at risk for liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver conditions unrelated to NASH or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of hexokinase 2 (HK2) in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are crucial in the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study examines how HK2 influences the metabolic processes in HSCs, particularly their glycolytic activity and lactate production, which may affect gene expression related to fibrosis and cancer progression. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating liver diseases and associated cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce liver fibrosis and the risk of liver cancer in patients with NASH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hay, Nissim — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hay, Nissim
Related research
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A researcher team is studying how certain RNA binding proteins, especially LARP6, regulate the liver’s scar-building process in alcoholic liver disease to identify potential ways to reduce fibrosis.
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Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
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A patient-focused liver fibrosis test platform is being developed to help speed the creation of medicines that treat liver scarring by using human-derived liver cells and tissue signals.
-
Role of HK2 in liver scarring, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer
A study in adults looks at how the enzyme HK2 helps drive liver scarring in NASH and may influence the development of liver cancer, with potential to point to new treatments.
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.