Role of a genetic variant in MAFLD and diabetes among African Americans
Official title: Role of rs142619613 mutation in MAFLD and hyperglycemia and in African Americans
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11202675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study aims to understand how a specific gene variant (rs142619613) may contribute to fatty liver disease and high blood sugar in African American adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2026 |
| Project end | November 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $701,978 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD020650-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11202675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults of African American descent who have or are at risk for MAFLD and/or type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without MAFLD or type 2 diabetes or those not belonging to the studied population may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why African American adults are more affected by MAFLD and type 2 diabetes by studying a genetic variant in YY1 and its effect on liver metabolism. Researchers will analyze existing data and use laboratory insights to link the YY1-miR-23b/27b/24 pathway to AKT activation, fat production in the liver, and glucose balance. The findings could point to new angles for preventing or managing MAFLD and T2D in this population. The work is rooted in human health and aims to translate genetic insights into better understanding of disease risk and progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal targets for therapies or personalized strategies to reduce liver disease and diabetes risk in African Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has connected YY1 and related microRNAs to metabolic pathways, but this specific variant and its impact in African Americans is novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Guisheng — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Song, Guisheng
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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.