Them1’s role in fat metabolism and MASLD progression
Official title: Them1 Mediated Metabolic Regulation and Pathogenic Role in MASLD
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11591395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how a fat-regulating protein (Them1) affects energy use in fat and liver, and how this could contribute to MASLD in people who are overweight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2015 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $686,749 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK103046-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11591395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with MASLD or obesity-related metabolic dysfunction could ultimately benefit from new therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without MASLD or metabolic disorders may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cellular fats and energy balance influence the development of MASLD. It focuses on Them1, a protein that may slow fat burning in brown and beige fat and promote fat buildup in the liver. Researchers plan to study these mechanisms in cellular systems and animal models to identify new targets for treatment. The work could lead to strategies that reduce liver fat and improve metabolism in people with MASLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or treat MASLD by improving energy use and reducing liver fat.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports a link between lipid metabolism and MASLD, with potential for new targets, though the exact role of Them1 is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, David E. — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cohen, David E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding MASLD progression to MASH and liver cancer in Alaska Native communities
A patient-facing overview of a study that looks at why a common liver disease progresses to more serious conditions in Alaska Native and American Indian people.
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Pediatric MASLD: a blood test to detect liver disease progression in kids
A child-friendly blood test is being developed to spot liver disease progression in kids with MASLD without needing biopsies.
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Growth Hormone and DNA Repair in Children's MASLD outcomes
A small, patient-friendly study will explore how growth hormone and the ATM DNA repair pathway affect liver health in children with MASLD.
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Isocaloric navy bean substitution for MASLD with fibrosis
A small, patient-friendly trial tests whether swapping in navy beans for some daily calories can help adults with MASLD and liver fibrosis without changing total calories.
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S100A9+ immune cells driving liver scarring in MASLD/MASH
Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
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Multi-ancestry genetic study of MASLD with follow-up tests
A large genetics study will look for liver disease risk genes across diverse populations and follow up with functional tests to understand how these genes affect MASLD.
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.