Understanding how cholesterol affects liver inflammation in NASH
Official title: Disturbed Crosstalk between Cholesterol Homeostasis and Inflammation Resolution in NASH
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11086055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cholesterol levels and inflammation are connected in people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common liver disease, to find new ways to help stop the disease from getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,526 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134610-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), particularly those showing signs of liver fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to NASH or those who do not have significant liver inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between cholesterol levels and inflammation in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a leading cause of chronic liver disease. The study focuses on a specific protein, EHBP1, which may play a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism and liver fibrosis. By examining human liver cells and using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the researchers aim to uncover how disruptions in cholesterol homeostasis contribute to the progression of NASH. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to halt the disease's progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the progression of NASH to more severe liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cholesterol's role in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Bishuang — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Cai, Bishuang
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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.