NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how a specific enzyme affects fatty liver disease

Official title: Investigating the role of Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 Synthase and its metabolite PGD2 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Funded at St. John's University · NIH-10936921 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific protein and its byproduct might affect the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially in people who are dealing with insulin resistance and obesity, to help find better ways to treat the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. John's University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Queens, United States)
Project startAugust 10, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$187,500
NIH project number1R16GM150498-01A1
Project IDNIH-10936921 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those with insulin resistance or obesity.

Less likely to help

Patients with alcoholic liver disease or those without any liver-related conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 Synthase (L-PGDS) and its metabolite PGD2 in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind NAFLD, particularly focusing on how insulin signaling influences L-PGDS expression and function. By using animal models, the researchers will explore the relationship between L-PGDS, insulin resistance, and obesity, which are critical factors in the progression of NAFLD. The findings could lead to a better understanding of the disease and potential new therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on NAFLD, the specific investigation of L-PGDS and its role in the disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • St. John's University
    Queens, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kumar, Sunil — St. John's University
  • Study coordinator: Kumar, Sunil

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD

    A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11623263

  • Them1 Inhibitors to Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease

    Aims to develop and test small molecule drugs that block Them1 to help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11519341

  • How the TET1 gene affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

    Researchers are looking at whether changes in the TET1 gene and DNA 'tagging' (methylation) play a role in adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

    NIH research State University New York Stony Brook · Stony Brook, United States · NIH-11447065

  • Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults

    A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.

    NIH research University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg, United States · NIH-11421441

  • Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease

    This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.

    NIH research Michigan State University · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11398883

  • Glutamine and T cells in fatty liver disease

    A study explores how liver glutamine levels affect inflammatory CD4+ T cells in fatty liver disease to find potential new ways to reduce liver inflammation.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11388863

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.