Understanding nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Pathobiology of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
This project looks for ways to stop liver inflammation and scarring in people with NASH by blocking signals that stressed liver cells send to immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135435 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how stressed liver cells in NASH release tiny packages called extracellular vesicles that attract CD4+ T helper immune cells and drive inflammation. They use mouse models and cell experiments to show that the enzyme ROCK1, activated via caspase-6, controls release of these vesicles and their display of a molecule called ALCAM. The team found that removing ROCK1 from liver cells in mice reduces liver injury and fibrosis and are testing approaches to reverse the harmful signaling. Future work may include analyzing patient samples or developing drugs that block these pathways to reduce liver damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), particularly those with evidence of liver inflammation or fibrosis, are the most relevant patient group for this work.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is caused primarily by alcohol, viral hepatitis, or other unrelated conditions may not benefit from these NASH-specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce liver inflammation and scarring for people with NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies, including work by this team, have shown that blocking ROCK1 or extracellular-vesicle signaling can reduce NASH-like injury, but benefits in humans remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirsova, Petra — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Hirsova, Petra
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.