Targeting cellular stress responses to improve liver health in obesity
Official title: Pharmacologic targeting of the UPR in obesity-linked liver dysfunction
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11006357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $689,587 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137470-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from obesity-related liver conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity-related liver dysfunction or those with other unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saez, Enrique — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Saez, Enrique
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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.