Small-molecule drugs to activate LRH-1 for metabolic and heart health
Targeting the orphan nuclear receptor LRH-1 with small molecules
Developing new small-molecule drugs that activate LRH-1 to help people with type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, or atherosclerotic heart disease improve blood sugar, liver fat, and cholesterol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing small chemical drugs that bind and activate LRH-1, a protein that helps control how the liver and fat tissue handle lipids and glucose. Because the natural molecules that turn on LRH-1 are unstable in the body, the team is creating stable, drug-like versions and testing their activity in the lab and in living models. The best compounds are being optimized for stability, delivery, and metabolic effects so they can be studied further for safety and benefit. If successful, these steps aim to prepare the compounds for eventual human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would be the likely candidates for later clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolism or those who are not willing to consider experimental therapies are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a new class of oral medicines that lower blood sugar, reduce liver fat, and improve cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
How similar studies have performed: Related work with phospholipid activators like DLPC has shown promising anti-diabetic effects, but small-molecule LRH-1 activators are a newer approach with encouraging laboratory and animal results rather than established human data.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortlund, Eric a — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Ortlund, Eric a
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.