Role of Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 Synthase (L-PGDS) and PGD2 in NAFLD
Official title: Investigating the role of Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 Synthase and its metabolite PGD2 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at St. John's University · NIH-11353996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project explores whether a specific liver enzyme and its product influence the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. John's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Queens, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150498-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with NAFLD or metabolic syndrome where insulin resistance is a feature, or those at risk for fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NAFLD or related metabolic risk factors may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the enzyme Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 Synthase (L-PGDS) and its product PGD2 affect NAFLD, including effects on insulin signaling and liver fat. Using mouse models and molecular analyses, the study will examine how insulin pathways influence L-PGDS expression and where L-PGDS is located in liver cells. The team will compare normal and altered L-PGDS/PGD2 conditions to see how these changes impact fatty liver progression and metabolic traits. Results could reveal new biological links between insulin resistance and NAFLD and point to future therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this pathway could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat NAFLD by targeting L-PGDS/PGD2 signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data in animal models suggest L-PGDS/PGD2 pathways may influence liver fat and insulin signaling, supporting exploration in NAFLD.
Where this research is happening
-
St. John's University
Queens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Sunil — St. John's University
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Sunil
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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.