Understanding Ubiquitin D for Liver and Kidney Diseases

Ubiquitin D as a potential therapeutic target for NASH, HCC and chronic kidney diseases

['FUNDING_R01'] · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · NIH-11176365

This project looks at a protein called Ubiquitin D to find new ways to help people with liver conditions like NASH and HCC, and also chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11176365 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are serious liver conditions, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often occurs alongside them. Currently, there are no approved treatments for NASH, and these conditions together can increase the risk of heart problems. Researchers have found a protein called Ubiquitin D (UBD) that is present in high amounts in the livers of people with NASH and HCC, and in the kidneys of those with CKD. This project aims to understand how UBD contributes to these diseases and whether blocking its activity could offer a new treatment approach. By studying UBD, we hope to develop therapies that can improve both liver and kidney health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or chronic kidney disease could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients without these specific liver or kidney conditions would likely not receive direct benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medications that target Ubiquitin D to treat NASH, HCC, and chronic kidney disease, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing related cardiovascular risks.

How similar studies have performed: While UBD's precise role in these specific diseases is being clarified, previous work has linked UBD to disease progression and metabolic health in animal models, suggesting a promising target.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.