Understanding how sex differences in liver cells affect fatty liver disease
Official title: Characterizing zonated hepatocyte sexual dimorphism and its role in fatty liver disease
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11011311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how male and female liver cells are different and how those differences might affect the severity of fatty liver disease, with the hope of finding better, more personalized treatments for patients based on their sex.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $485,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131227-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those who are aware of their sex and age-related health factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to sex differences or those who do not have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how differences between male and female liver cells contribute to the severity and outcomes of fatty liver disease. It focuses on the liver's structure and function, particularly how these differences vary across different regions of the liver. By examining the genetic and functional variations in liver cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these sex-based differences and their implications for liver disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more personalized treatment approaches based on sex.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for fatty liver disease that take into account sex differences.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding sex differences in biological systems can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Bruce Mao Zheng — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wang, Bruce Mao Zheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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Them1 Inhibitors to Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease
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-
How the TET1 gene affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Researchers are looking at whether changes in the TET1 gene and DNA 'tagging' (methylation) play a role in adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults
A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
-
Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
-
Glutamine and T cells in fatty liver disease
A study explores how liver glutamine levels affect inflammatory CD4+ T cells in fatty liver disease to find potential new ways to reduce liver inflammation.
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.