Target PAQR4-Ceramide-GPNMB Pathway in MASH (liver disease)
Official title: Target PAQR4-Ceramide-GPNMB Pathway in MASH
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11432577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-centered look at how a liver disease pathway involving PAQR4, ceramides, and GPNMB might lead to better biomarkers and therapies for MASLD and MASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $736,529 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148764-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with MASLD/MASH or at risk for these conditions could benefit from the discoveries and potential future tests or treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research findings may not yet translate to immediate patient benefits.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on understanding a liver disease called MASLD/MASH and how specific molecules in liver and fat tissue contribute to its progression. Researchers are studying PAQR4 and ceramide levels, plus the role of GPNMB, to uncover how these parts drive liver injury and fibrosis. The work includes analyzing human tissue data and experiments in cells and animal models to map how these pathways interact and worsen disease. The goal is to identify targets that could lead to noninvasive tests and new treatments for people with MASLD and MASH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better biomarkers and new therapies to prevent liver damage in people with MASLD/MASH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows PAQR4-ceramide links influence liver metabolism and fibrosis, supporting potential relevance to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Qingzhang — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Qingzhang
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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.