Understanding how certain proteins affect fat metabolism and liver health
Official title: Mechanisms regulating lipoprotein secretion and lipid metabolism
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10997361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called VMP1 affects fat processing in the liver, which could help us understand nonalcoholic fatty liver disease better, and it might be helpful for people dealing with related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,337 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134737-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome, obesity, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metabolic disorders unrelated to lipid metabolism or those without liver health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which a specific protein, VMP1, influences lipid metabolism and the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By studying how VMP1 regulates the secretion of lipoproteins and cholesterol homeostasis, the research aims to uncover new insights into the molecular processes that lead to metabolic disorders. The approach includes experiments in cultured liver cells and zebrafish models to observe the effects of VMP1 on lipid accumulation and liver function. Patients with conditions related to lipid metabolism may find the findings relevant to their health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and NAFLD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism and its implications for liver health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ni, Hongmin — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ni, Hongmin
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.