Understanding MASLD progression to MASH and liver cancer in Alaska Native communities
Official title: Investigation Into the Progression of MASLD to MASH and HCC
Funded at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium · NIH-11529997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing overview of a study that looks at why a common liver disease progresses to more serious conditions in Alaska Native and American Indian people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Anchorage, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $120,440 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Alaska Native or American Indian individuals with MASLD or related liver disease who are interested in understanding their risk factors and contributing to prevention efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without MASLD or those not enrolled in the study could see little or no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to learn how MASLD can progress to MASH, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in Alaska Native and American Indian populations. Researchers will examine genetic factors and other risks to identify who is most likely to develop more severe liver disease. The goal is to use what they learn to prevent progression and improve outcomes through earlier detection and better care for people living with MASLD. The study involves collaboration with Alaska Native communities and uses data and samples gathered from participants to understand the disease better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier risk assessments and more targeted prevention strategies to reduce liver complications and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in MASLD/MASH is expanding our understanding, but this project aims to deepen knowledge with a focus on Alaska Native and American Indian populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Anchorage, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kowalski, Lesleigh — Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Study coordinator: Kowalski, Lesleigh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Them1’s role in fat metabolism and MASLD progression
Aims to understand how a fat-regulating protein (Them1) affects energy use in fat and liver, and how this could contribute to MASLD in people who are overweight.
-
Pediatric MASLD: a blood test to detect liver disease progression in kids
A child-friendly blood test is being developed to spot liver disease progression in kids with MASLD without needing biopsies.
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Growth Hormone and DNA Repair in Children's MASLD outcomes
A small, patient-friendly study will explore how growth hormone and the ATM DNA repair pathway affect liver health in children with MASLD.
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Isocaloric navy bean substitution for MASLD with fibrosis
A small, patient-friendly trial tests whether swapping in navy beans for some daily calories can help adults with MASLD and liver fibrosis without changing total calories.
-
S100A9+ immune cells driving liver scarring in MASLD/MASH
Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
-
Multi-ancestry genetic study of MASLD with follow-up tests
A large genetics study will look for liver disease risk genes across diverse populations and follow up with functional tests to understand how these genes affect MASLD.
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.