Understanding how a specific enzyme affects gut health and liver disease
The role of neutral ceramidase in intestinal fucosylation and liver steatosis and inflammation
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme in the gut might affect liver health, especially for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, by exploring how it changes gut bacteria when on a high-fat diet, which could help find new ways to treat liver issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10804728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neutral ceramidase in the gut and its impact on liver health, particularly in the context of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It focuses on how changes in gut fucosylation, influenced by this enzyme, can affect the relationship between gut bacteria and the body, especially under conditions like a high-fat diet. By studying mice with altered levels of this enzyme, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for liver inflammation and fat accumulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those with obesity or metabolic syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to fat accumulation or those without metabolic risk factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-liver axis and its implications for liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Zhong-Bin — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Deng, Zhong-Bin
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.