Understanding the genetics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Official title: Systems Genetics Dissection of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11086834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to understand how our genes and environment work together to affect liver health, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat this condition for people who have it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,703 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK117850-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption or other non-genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver condition that can lead to serious health issues. By using a systems genetics approach, the study aims to uncover how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence the disease. Researchers will analyze genetic variations and their effects on liver health through advanced technologies, which may help identify new treatment targets. The findings could lead to better diagnostic tools and therapies for patients suffering from NAFLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using systems genetics has shown promise in understanding complex diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into NAFLD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lusis, Aldons Jake — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Lusis, Aldons Jake
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of metabolic stress in NASH-related liver cancer
This grant explores how metabolic stress linked to NASH may drive liver cancer and looks for ways to interrupt that process to help patients.
-
TREM2: a helper in liver inflammation and scarring in NASH
A new approach studies how a liver immune receptor called TREM2 helps protect against liver inflammation and scarring in people with fatty liver disease that can progress to NASH.
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Genes behind fatty liver disease and NASH
This project looks at how specific genes change fatty liver disease and scarring to help guide better tests and treatments for people with NAFLD/NASH.
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Ex-vivo bioengineered liver cells to study NASH-related dysfunction
Researchers will use patient-derived stem cell–made liver cells in a lab setup to understand why NASH causes liver damage and how stiffness of the liver’s surroundings affects this process.
-
How TREM2 on immune cells affects fatty liver disease (NASH)
This project looks at whether the immune protein TREM2 helps drive liver inflammation and scarring in people with NASH.
-
New small-molecule medicines that stabilize Axin to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Trying new small-molecule drugs that stabilize Axin to lower liver fat and scarring for people with NASH.
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.