Targeting cellular stress responses to improve liver health in obesity
Pharmacologic targeting of the UPR in obesity-linked liver dysfunction
This study is looking at how a special process in our cells, called the unfolded protein response, might help improve liver problems caused by obesity and Type 2 diabetes, with the goal of finding new ways to treat these conditions for people who are struggling with them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11006357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting the unfolded protein response (UPR) can help treat liver dysfunction associated with obesity and related conditions like Type 2 diabetes. The study focuses on understanding the signaling pathways activated by the UPR, particularly those involving the proteins IRE1, PERK, and ATF6, which play a role in cellular stress responses. By exploring how these pathways can be manipulated, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to alleviate metabolic dysfunction in patients suffering from obesity-linked liver diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from obesity-related liver conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Not a fit: Patients who do not have obesity-related liver dysfunction or those with other unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve liver health and metabolic function in individuals with obesity-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the UPR for metabolic disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saez, Enrique — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Saez, Enrique
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.