NIH-funded research P01 program project

Understanding how certain proteins affect liver disease progression to cancer

Official title: Project 1: Control of NASH to HCC progression by the NRF2-FBP1 tug-of-war

Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10935865 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how two proteins in the liver might help us understand how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to liver cancer, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startSeptember 9, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$573,624
NIH project number1P01CA281819-01A1
Project IDNIH-10935865 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who are at risk of developing liver cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients with liver cancer who do not have a history of NASH may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the roles of two important proteins, NRF2 and FBP1, in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By examining how these proteins interact and influence liver cell metabolism, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatment strategies. The research involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of human liver samples to understand the cellular changes that occur during disease progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to targeted therapies for liver disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent the progression of liver disease to cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Karin, Michael — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
  • Study coordinator: Karin, Michael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • How NRF2 and FBP1 control liver metabolism

    This work looks at whether changes in two liver proteins, NRF2 and FBP1, help explain low blood sugar and fat buildup in the liver for people with metabolic liver problems or rare FBP1 deficiency.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11457999

  • How mitochondrial and immune signals drive inflammation linked to Alzheimer's

    This project looks at how damaged mitochondria and immune signaling cause inflammation that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11457998

  • Nup210’s role in leukemia and its potential as a target

    A doctor-scientist team is studying how a protein called Nup210 helps a type of blood cancer (AML) grow, with the goal of finding new ways to predict outcomes and treat the disease.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11451105

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.