Using new small molecules to stabilize Axin for treating liver disease
Official title: Axin Stabilization by Novel Small Molecules to Treat Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11012381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new small molecules that could help improve liver health for people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by stabilizing a protein that helps manage liver metabolism and reducing fat buildup in the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $485,056 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133421-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with alcoholic liver disease or those without metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new small molecules that can stabilize a protein called Axin, which plays a crucial role in liver metabolism. The study aims to target specific pathways involved in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver condition affecting many Americans. By inhibiting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and activating AMPK, the researchers hope to improve liver health and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. The compounds being tested have shown promising results in laboratory and animal models, indicating their potential effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, improving liver health for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting similar pathways for liver diseases, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shu, Yan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Shu, Yan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
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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.
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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.