Understanding how a specific protein affects liver health in obesity-related diseases
Official title: Determining hepatocyte-specific mechanisms by which Ube4A regulates NAFLD/NASH
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-10997410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Ube4A in liver cells to see how it affects liver health and could help people with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially when obesity causes stress and inflammation in the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $462,823 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132162-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and at risk for developing NAFLD or NASH.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or related liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Ube4A in liver cells, particularly how it influences metabolic dysfunction and cell survival in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study focuses on the cellular stress responses that occur due to obesity, which can lead to liver inflammation and damage. By exploring the mechanisms by which Ube4A helps maintain liver cell health, the research aims to identify potential new treatments for these conditions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative therapies targeting liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating liver diseases associated with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cellular stress responses in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Anutosh — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Anutosh
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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.