Targeting the Txnip protein to treat NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)
Regulation and Function of Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (Txnip) in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
This project will try lowering a stress-related liver protein called Txnip to reduce inflammation and liver-cell death in people with NASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a liver-directed antisense RNA therapy to block Txnip and will test whether lowering Txnip levels reduces the inflammation and hepatocyte (liver cell) death that drive NASH. The work combines molecular lab studies, virus-based delivery tools, and animal models to study liver-specific effects while avoiding changes in other organs. The team will examine liver tissue and cell assays to measure cell death, inflammation, and fat accumulation as they compare treated versus untreated livers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those with evidence of liver inflammation or ongoing hepatocyte apoptosis, would be the most likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People with simple fatty liver without inflammation, liver disease caused primarily by alcohol, viral hepatitis, or unrelated metabolic conditions may not benefit from a Txnip-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to a new liver-targeted treatment that reduces inflammation and prevents progression of NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies suggest Txnip contributes to liver cell death, but liver-targeted antisense therapies for NASH are largely experimental and have not yet been proven in human trials.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Ling — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Yang, Ling
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.