Targeting a specific enzyme to prevent liver fibrosis
Official title: Targeting Acid Ceramidase for Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11000288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat liver fibrosis, a condition that can harm your liver, by targeting a specific enzyme to help slow down the disease and improve liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $576,728 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137892-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic liver diseases that lead to fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver conditions or those without any signs of liver fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to liver failure. The team has identified an enzyme called acid ceramidase that plays a crucial role in the progression of fibrosis. By inhibiting this enzyme, they aim to reduce the activation of liver cells that contribute to fibrosis. The research involves designing and testing new drug compounds that can effectively inhibit this enzyme and evaluating their effectiveness in both mouse and human models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new oral medication that prevents or slows the progression of liver fibrosis in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for treating liver fibrosis, indicating a potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jo, Hyunil — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jo, Hyunil
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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.