Understanding how liver proteins balance sugar and fat metabolism
Balance between HNF4a isoforms in the carbohydrate-lipid metabolic switch
This research explores how two forms of a key liver protein, HNF4α, work together to manage how our bodies process sugars and fats, which could help us understand conditions like diabetes and liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139629 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on the liver to process the sugars and fats we eat, and a protein called HNF4α is a master controller of this process. This project looks at two specific versions of HNF4α, called HNF4α1 and HNF4α7, which play different roles in how the liver handles energy. We are learning that HNF4α1 mainly helps the liver make sugar, while HNF4α7 helps it make ketones from fat, and the balance between these two forms changes throughout the day. Understanding this balance could reveal new ways to help people with metabolic conditions like a type of diabetes called MODY1 or even liver cancer, where these proteins are often out of balance. We are also looking at how other important enzymes, like AMPK and SIRT1, might influence these HNF4α proteins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals with metabolic conditions such as maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY1) or liver cancer, as future treatments may stem from these discoveries.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by liver metabolism disorders, diabetes, or liver cancer would likely not directly benefit from this specific area of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for managing metabolic disorders like diabetes and liver disease by targeting the balance of these key liver proteins.
How similar studies have performed: While HNF4α's role in metabolism is known, this research is exploring a newly recognized role for HNF4α7 and its dynamic balance with HNF4α1, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sladek, Frances M. — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Sladek, Frances M.
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 below.