Investigating the role of TMEM55B in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Official title: TMEM55B as a molecular determinant of NAFLD
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10922855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TMEM55B affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to help find new ways to treat this condition that can harm your liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $563,952 |
| NIH project number | 5R56DK135259-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with alcoholic liver disease or those without any liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the TMEM55B protein affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that can lead to serious liver issues like cirrhosis. The study examines the molecular mechanisms behind NAFLD by using animal models to observe the effects of TMEM55B on lipid accumulation and liver health. By manipulating TMEM55B levels, researchers aim to uncover how it influences fat mobilization and mitochondrial function in the liver. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating NAFLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medina, Marisa Wong — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Medina, Marisa Wong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
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.
-
Genetic and environmental risk for fatty liver cancer in Latinos (GENIAL)
A study to understand why Latino people with fatty liver disease might be more likely to develop liver cancer and to use genetic and environmental clues to predict who is at higher risk.
-
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.
-
Role of cholesterol metabolism in toxin-driven liver disease
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.
-
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.