Understanding how genes affect liver fibrosis
Official title: Epigenetic regulation in liver fibrosis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10640141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called Sirt6 affects liver fibrosis, which can happen with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and it aims to understand how things like diet can change liver cell behavior to help find new treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $457,057 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK121925-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10640141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or related liver conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver fibrosis due to causes other than NAFLD, such as viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific gene, Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), in the development of liver fibrosis, a serious condition that can arise from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using both cell and animal models, the researchers aim to explore how environmental factors like diet influence the behavior of liver cells and contribute to fibrosis. The study will focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved, particularly how Sirt6 regulates liver cell activity. The ultimate goal is to identify new pathways that could lead to effective treatments for liver fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or treat liver fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors involved in liver diseases, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, X. Charlie — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Dong, X. Charlie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A researcher team is studying how certain RNA binding proteins, especially LARP6, regulate the liver’s scar-building process in alcoholic liver disease to identify potential ways to reduce fibrosis.
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Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
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A patient-focused liver fibrosis test platform is being developed to help speed the creation of medicines that treat liver scarring by using human-derived liver cells and tissue signals.
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A study in adults looks at how the enzyme HK2 helps drive liver scarring in NASH and may influence the development of liver cancer, with potential to point to new treatments.
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.