Regulation of ROBO1 by YAP and LHX2 in MASLD-related liver disease
Official title: Regulation of the Pro-fibrotic and Pro-tumorigenic ROBO1 by YAP and LHX2 in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11443482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Tulane is exploring how certain cell signals influence liver scarring and regeneration in fatty liver disease to find ways to reduce fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $651,222 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK149400-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with MASLD/MASH or related liver fibrosis conditions who could contribute tissue samples or participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MASLD/MASH or related fibrosis may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
If this project succeeds, it will map how ROBO1, YAP, and LHX2 interact in liver cells to control fibrosis and regeneration in MASLD/MASH. The researchers plan to use cellular and animal models to test targeted changes in these pathways and observe effects on scar formation and liver growth factors. The goal is to identify molecular targets that could be used to promote healing while limiting fibrosis in patients with fatty liver disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that reduce scarring and support liver regeneration in MASLD/MASH patients.
How similar studies have gone: Related studies have shown that targeting fibroblast signals and ECM interactions can modulate fibrosis in liver disease, making this approach plausible but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pi, Liya — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Pi, Liya
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new siRNA drug to treat fatty liver disease by boosting liver energy production
A new siRNA drug aimed at reducing liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
-
Aldehydes and fat-related liver disease: how tiny molecules drive MASH in diabetes risk
Aims to understand how aldehydes created in fatty liver may trigger liver damage and inflammation in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Endohepatology-based reclassification of treatment indication in high-risk MASLD
This study tests whether an endohepatology assessment can change treatment decisions for adults with high-risk MASLD.
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Pre-hepatectomy rehabilitation with mazdutide for obese MASLD donors
This trial tests whether adding mazdutide to a structured lifestyle plan helps overweight MASLD donors lose liver fat faster to become eligible for donation.
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Efimosfermin vs. placebo in adults with compensated cirrhosis from MASH
This study tests whether Efimosfermin can help adults with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH compared with placebo.
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Efimosfermin vs placebo in adults with compensated cirrhosis from MASH
This study tests whether efimosfermin helps adults with compensated cirrhosis caused by MASH compared with placebo.
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.