Multi-ancestry genetic study of MASLD with follow-up tests
Official title: Multi Ancestry Whole Genome Sequencing Analyses of MASLD with Functional Follow Up
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11416719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large genetics study will look for liver disease risk genes across diverse populations and follow up with functional tests to understand how these genes affect MASLD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $762,863 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK141823-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with MASLD who can contribute or benefit from genetic data and imaging-derived information across ancestries.
✕Less likely to help
People without MASLD or those not contributing to genetic/imaging analyses may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project analyzes genetic data from people with MASLD across multiple ancestries to identify variants linked to the disease. It uses CT- and MRI-based liver fat measurements alongside ICD codes to define MASLD in diverse cohort groups. The team then follows up with functional CRISPR-based experiments to explore how identified genes influence liver fat and disease processes. By focusing on genetic differences across ancestries, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of genetic factors behind MASLD could lead to personalized prevention and treatment strategies in diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous multi-ancestry genetic analyses have identified MASLD-associated loci, with functional follow-up improving mechanistic insight in related work.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Speliotes, Elizabeth K — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Speliotes, Elizabeth K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Them1’s role in fat metabolism and MASLD progression
Aims to understand how a fat-regulating protein (Them1) affects energy use in fat and liver, and how this could contribute to MASLD in people who are overweight.
-
Understanding MASLD progression to MASH and liver cancer in Alaska Native communities
A patient-facing overview of a study that looks at why a common liver disease progresses to more serious conditions in Alaska Native and American Indian people.
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Pediatric MASLD: a blood test to detect liver disease progression in kids
A child-friendly blood test is being developed to spot liver disease progression in kids with MASLD without needing biopsies.
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Growth Hormone and DNA Repair in Children's MASLD outcomes
A small, patient-friendly study will explore how growth hormone and the ATM DNA repair pathway affect liver health in children with MASLD.
-
Isocaloric navy bean substitution for MASLD with fibrosis
A small, patient-friendly trial tests whether swapping in navy beans for some daily calories can help adults with MASLD and liver fibrosis without changing total calories.
-
S100A9+ immune cells driving liver scarring in MASLD/MASH
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.
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.