New small-molecule medicines that stabilize Axin to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Axin Stabilization by Novel Small Molecules to Treat Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Trying new small-molecule drugs that stabilize Axin to lower liver fat and scarring for people with NASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261165 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research is developing drug-like compounds (lead examples YW1128 and YA6060) that target liver pathways tied to metabolism and scarring. The compounds stabilize a protein called Axin, which both reduces Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and activates AMPK, pathways linked to fatty liver and fibrosis. In lab tests and mouse models the leads reduced liver fat and fibrosis, and the team is studying how they bind a protein called TAB182 to improve activity and drug-like properties. The goal is to optimize these molecules and generate data needed to move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), often with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without NASH or whose liver disease is caused by alcohol, viral hepatitis, or unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit from these compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the first drug treatments that reduce liver fat and fibrosis in people with NASH.
How similar studies have performed: AMPK activators and Wnt pathway modulators have shown promise in laboratory and early clinical research, but no approved NASH drugs exist yet, so this dual-action approach is promising but not proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shu, Yan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Shu, Yan
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.