Understanding liver disease in a family with severe conditions
Official title: Modeling and Characterization of NAFLD Phenotypes in a Severely Affected Family
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11017802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stem cells from a family with serious liver issues can help us learn more about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and find new ways to treat it.
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, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,955 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132129-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or families with a history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or related liver conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a genetic predisposition to liver disease or those with other unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using patient-derived stem cells to model and understand non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a family affected by severe liver conditions. The researchers will differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into liver cells to study the disease mechanisms and identify novel genes that may contribute to NAFLD. By testing these genes, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets and better understand the pathways involved in liver disease. This approach allows for a personalized investigation of the disease based on the unique genetic background of the family.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for patients suffering from NAFLD and related liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using patient-derived stem cells to model liver diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mattis, Aras Nikodemas — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mattis, Aras Nikodemas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
We’re following people over time to see how the gut microbiome and diet relate to fatty liver disease progression in diverse racial/ethnic groups.
-
Genetic and environmental risk for fatty liver cancer in Latinos (GENIAL)
A study to understand why Latino people with fatty liver disease might be more likely to develop liver cancer and to use genetic and environmental clues to predict who is at higher risk.
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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.
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Role of cholesterol metabolism in toxin-driven liver disease
This grant explores how a liver toxin called TCDD affects cholesterol and fatty liver disease, and how a key enzyme (HMGCR) might change that risk in adults.
-
Small blood particle signals and fatty liver in children and teens
Researchers are looking at whether molecules carried in tiny blood particles can explain or signal fatty liver disease in children and adolescents with excess weight.
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.