Understanding how TREM2 affects liver disease related to obesity

Deciphering the role of TREM2 in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11013386

This study is looking at how a certain receptor called TREM2 affects liver inflammation and damage in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition often related to obesity, to help us understand more about what causes this disease and how it might be treated.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11013386 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific receptor, TREM2, in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe liver condition linked to obesity. By using specialized mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover how TREM2-expressing macrophages contribute to liver inflammation and damage in NASH. The study will analyze the cellular mechanisms involved and how they may lead to chronic liver disease. Patients with NASH may benefit from insights gained about the underlying causes of their condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, particularly those with obesity-related liver issues.

Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to obesity or those without a diagnosis of NASH may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating NASH and improving liver health in affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammation in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.