Understanding Liver Changes in NASH
Significance and mechanisms of hepatic ChREBPα induction via post-translational modifications in diet-induced NASH
This project aims to understand the body's internal processes that cause non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver condition that can worsen into NASH, which may lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Currently, a liver transplant is the only treatment for advanced NASH, highlighting the urgent need for new solutions. This work explores how the liver's ability to process fats, called fatty acid oxidation, might go wrong and contribute to NASH. We are particularly interested in a protein called ChREBPα, which seems to play an unexpected role in protecting the liver from NASH. By understanding these detailed processes, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or treat this serious disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with or at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH are the ultimate beneficiaries of this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients whose liver disease is not related to NAFLD or NASH may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for medications to prevent or treat NASH, offering hope beyond liver transplantation.
How similar studies have performed: While previous human and animal studies suggest chronic suppression of fatty acid oxidation drives fatty liver disease, the specific role of ChREBPα and its contribution to NASH development and fibrosis is a significant knowledge gap this project addresses.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Lei — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Yin, Lei
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.