Understanding Them1's Role in Fatty Liver Disease
Official title: Them1-Mediated Metabolic Regulation and Pathogenic Role in MASLD
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11189816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a protein called Them1 contributes to fatty liver disease when people eat too much.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2015 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK103046-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11189816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit individuals living with or at risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose liver disease is not related to metabolic dysfunction or overnutrition may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Many people develop fatty liver disease, or MASLD, often linked to eating more calories than needed. This project looks at a specific protein called Them1, which usually helps our bodies store energy. We believe that in people with obesity, Them1 might start working against the body, causing fat to build up in the liver and making it harder for the body to use sugar properly. By understanding how Them1 works, we hope to find new ways to help manage MASLD and improve liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medications or lifestyle changes to prevent or treat MASLD.
How similar studies have gone: This research builds on preliminary findings to explore novel mechanisms of Them1 in MASLD, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, David E. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cohen, David E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
Understanding MASLD progression to MASH and liver cancer in Alaska Native communities
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.
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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.
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.