Understanding the connection between type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease
Hepatic insulin resistance integrates T2D and NAFLD
This project explores how insulin resistance in the liver links type 2 diabetes with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can progress to a more serious condition called NASH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184358 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with type 2 diabetes also develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can worsen into a life-threatening condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This research aims to uncover the specific ways that insulin resistance in the liver contributes to this progression. We are using advanced mouse models that mimic human conditions, along with human data and cells, to identify key pathways involved. Our goal is to understand how certain proteins, like FoxO1 and Fst, accelerate the development of NAFLD into NASH during liver insulin resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding the underlying causes of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which could eventually benefit patients living with these conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successfully identifying these pathways could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat the progression of fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon existing knowledge about insulin resistance and also presents new findings from the researchers' own studies using both animal models and human data.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Morris F. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: White, Morris F.
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.