Sex differences in liver cells and fatty liver disease
Characterizing zonated hepatocyte sexual dimorphism and its role in fatty liver disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11257684
This project looks at how male and female livers differ at the cell level and how those differences relate to fatty liver disease in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11257684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists will map which genes are active in liver cells across the liver's zones and compare those patterns between men and women. They will use human liver tissue, molecular profiling, and laboratory models to see how systemic signals (like hormones) and local signals in the liver create sex-specific patterns. The team will link these zonated, sex-specific patterns to changes seen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and in liver injury models. Results are intended to show which cell types and lobule locations drive sex differences in disease risk and outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and over with or at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and adults who can provide liver tissue samples, would be most relevant for participation.
Not a fit: Children under 21 and people without liver disease risk factors or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic science-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help develop sex-tailored approaches to prevent, diagnose, or treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has documented sex differences in the liver and zonation separately and early data suggest zonated sex differences exist, but applying zonation to NAFLD is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, BRUCE MAO ZHENG — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: WANG, BRUCE MAO ZHENG
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 below.
Conditions: Disease, Disease Outcome