Understanding how a specific enzyme affects liver fibrosis
Official title: Dissecting the Acid Ceramidase Pathway in Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11098569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme affects liver fibrosis, which can lead to serious liver problems, and aims to find new treatments and tests to help patients who might benefit from them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $604,327 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134723-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with hepatic fibrosis or chronic liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver conditions or those without liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the enzyme acid ceramidase in the development of liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to liver failure. The team aims to develop new antifibrotic therapies and biomarkers that can help identify patients who would benefit from these treatments. By studying how ceramide influences key cellular pathways involved in fibrosis, the researchers hope to find effective ways to prevent or reverse this serious condition. Patients may be involved in the research through the evaluation of biomarkers that indicate their specific disease pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tools for patients suffering from liver fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for treating liver fibrosis, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jennifer Y. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jennifer Y.
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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.