Investigating how lipid droplet proteins affect liver disease and inflammation
Official title: The role of lipid droplet proteins in eicosanoid production and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11162453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in fat droplets affect the way our bodies handle fats and how this relates to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it may involve patients helping to find out if their genes play a role in their liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $89,725 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DK137029-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those who do not have the relevant genetic variations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of lipid droplet proteins in the metabolism of fatty acids and their impact on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study will explore how genetic variations in specific lipid droplet proteins influence the production of eicosanoids, which are signaling molecules involved in inflammation and liver health. By analyzing these proteins and their effects on fatty acid metabolism, the research aims to uncover new insights into the progression of NAFLD and its associated risks. Patients may be involved in genetic assessments to identify variations that could affect their liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, potentially reducing associated health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism and its implications for liver disease, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scorletti, Eleonora — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Scorletti, Eleonora
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
-
Them1 Inhibitors to Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease
Aims to develop and test small molecule drugs that block Them1 to help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
How the TET1 gene affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Researchers are looking at whether changes in the TET1 gene and DNA 'tagging' (methylation) play a role in adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
-
Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults
A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
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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.
-
Glutamine and T cells in fatty liver disease
A study explores how liver glutamine levels affect inflammatory CD4+ T cells in fatty liver disease to find potential new ways to reduce liver inflammation.
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.