New pathway that controls liver injury in NASH
A novel pathway controls liver injury in NASH
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11322121
Researchers are working to understand a newly found biological pathway that causes liver cell damage in people with NASH so new treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322121 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at why liver cells die in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by studying a newly identified molecular pathway. Scientists will use lab-grown liver cells, animal models, and patient tissue samples to see how metabolic stress turns on this pathway and leads to hepatocyte death. They will identify the key proteins involved and test whether blocking them can reduce liver injury. The goal is to find targets that drug developers could use to create treatments for people with NASH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those with signs of liver injury who could provide tissue samples or join future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without NASH, those whose liver disease is solely from alcohol, or individuals with end-stage cirrhosis are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal drug targets that prevent liver cell death and help slow or stop NASH from progressing.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies targeting metabolic and cell-death pathways have shown promise in lab models, but this specific pathway is newly described and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, PENG — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, PENG
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.