Understanding how liver cell structure affects metabolism and disease
Official title: The role of hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum architecture in metabolic homeostasis and disease
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10943532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the structure of a part of liver cells called the endoplasmic reticulum affects metabolic health, especially for people with fatty liver disease, and it hopes to find new ways to improve liver function and overall health through understanding how fasting changes this structure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $387,082 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140367-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Metabolic dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) or those experiencing metabolic issues related to obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic dysfunction or those not affected by liver diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in liver cells and how its structure impacts metabolic health, particularly in conditions like Metabolic dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind ER dysfunction and its relationship with obesity and metabolic deterioration. By examining how fasting influences ER architecture and its interaction with mitochondria, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve liver function and metabolic health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for liver diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for liver diseases and improve metabolic health in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between ER structure and metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arruda, Ana Paula — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Arruda, Ana Paula
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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.