Liver protein TMEM141 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
This project looks at whether a liver protein called TMEM141 changes bile acid balance and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with implications for people with NAFLD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically modified mice and laboratory experiments to change TMEM141 levels in the liver and watch how the animals develop fatty liver. They will measure bile acid metabolism, liver inflammation, and related signaling pathways. The team will also study how TMEM141 expression is controlled in the setting of NAFLD. Findings could point to biological pathways for future human treatments or tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the patient group most likely to be affected by this research, although the current work is preclinical.
Not a fit: People with liver disease caused mainly by alcohol, chronic viral hepatitis, or other unrelated conditions are less likely to benefit from findings that are specific to NAFLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets or biomarkers that lead to better treatments or diagnostics for people with NAFLD.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches that target bile acid receptors such as FXR and TGR5 have protected against fatty liver in mice and shown promise in some clinical trials, so this builds on prior encouraging results.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yanqiao — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yanqiao
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.