Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
Official title: The role of lipid droplet proteins in eicosanoid production and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11623263 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,921 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DK137029-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11623263 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with NAFLD or at risk due to metabolic factors may participate through genetic analysis and related assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without NAFLD or related metabolic risk may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how liver lipid droplets control fatty acids and signaling molecules that may worsen NAFLD. Researchers will examine genetic variants in two lipid-droplet proteins to see if they change production of eicosanoids and the course of liver disease. The study will use human data and models to connect lipid storage with inflammation and liver damage, aiming to identify mechanisms that could be targeted in people with NAFLD. If successful, findings could inform new therapies that slow progression and reduce cardiovascular risk associated with the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new approaches to treat NAFLD and its complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links lipid droplets and PUFA metabolism to liver inflammation, but the specific protein variants studied are novel in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scorletti, Eleonora — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Scorletti, Eleonora
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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.