New treatments for fatty liver disease linked to obesity
Official title: Novel IP6K1 inhibitors for treatment of NAFLD/NASH
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11057579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme called IP6K1 affects liver problems like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, especially in people who are overweight, and it hopes to find new treatments that can help reduce liver fat and improve overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137824-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with NAFLD or NASH, particularly those who are also experiencing obesity-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not have NAFLD or NASH may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific enzyme, IP6K1, in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), conditions often associated with obesity. The study aims to develop novel inhibitors that can target IP6K1, potentially reducing liver fat accumulation and improving metabolic health. By understanding how this enzyme affects insulin resistance and liver inflammation, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for patients with fatty liver disease, improving their liver health and overall metabolic function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways related to obesity and liver disease, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaodong — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaodong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
We’re following people over time to see how the gut microbiome and diet relate to fatty liver disease progression in diverse racial/ethnic groups.
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Genetic and environmental risk for fatty liver cancer in Latinos (GENIAL)
A study to understand why Latino people with fatty liver disease might be more likely to develop liver cancer and to use genetic and environmental clues to predict who is at higher risk.
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Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
-
Role of cholesterol metabolism in toxin-driven liver disease
This grant explores how a liver toxin called TCDD affects cholesterol and fatty liver disease, and how a key enzyme (HMGCR) might change that risk in adults.
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Small blood particle signals and fatty liver in children and teens
Researchers are looking at whether molecules carried in tiny blood particles can explain or signal fatty liver disease in children and adolescents with excess weight.
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.