Liver energy pathways and their role in fatty liver disease
Hepatic Integration of Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism Pathways in Health and Disease
Looks at whether boosting liver ketone production keeps energy cycles working and helps adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325840 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how liver energy systems — the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and ketone production — work together in fatty liver disease. Researchers will use animal models, including PEMT‑null mice that resemble human NASH, and laboratory assays to track how fats are processed in liver mitochondria across different disease stages. They will measure metabolites such as ketones and TCA intermediates and examine mitochondrial function in liver tissue. Results will be related back to human NAFLD features to highlight metabolic processes that could be targeted for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is primarily caused by alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or unrelated genetic liver disorders may not benefit from findings focused on NAFLD metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to restore liver energy balance and slow or prevent progression of NAFLD/NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse and laboratory studies support disrupted mitochondrial lipid handling in NAFLD, but translating these mechanistic findings to human treatments is relatively new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughey, Curtis — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Hughey, Curtis
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.