Understanding Liver Disease Progression in NAFLD and NASH
Official title: Impaired VLDL secretion in progression of NAFLD and NASH in mice and humans
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11167705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how problems with fat secretion from the liver contribute to the worsening of fatty liver disease and liver scarring in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $554,435 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK119437-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant to patients with NAFLD or NASH, especially those whose disease is progressing or who have impaired VLDL secretion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NAFLD or NASH, or those whose liver disease is not linked to impaired VLDL secretion, may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
What this research studies
Our goal is to better understand the factors that lead to liver scarring and liver cancer in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). We are looking at how the liver's ability to release fats, called VLDL secretion, might be impaired in some patients, even those who are not obese or insulin resistant. By comparing findings from specially designed mouse models with observations in human patients, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or reverse liver damage. This could lead to more personalized treatments for those whose liver disease is likely to get worse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medications to prevent or reverse liver scarring and liver cancer in patients with NAFLD and NASH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified genetic factors that impair VLDL secretion and are linked to liver disease progression, suggesting this approach builds on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, Nicholas O. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Davidson, Nicholas O.
Related research
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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.