Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Indiana University Indianapolis received a $480,697 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), awarded March 1, 2026, with a completion date of February 28, 2031. The grant supports fundamental biomedical research investigating the protective mechanisms of Sestrin 3 (SESN3) against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related liver fibrosis. The research will characterize SESN3 function in hepatic stellate cells and elucidate the novel SESN3-YAP/WWTR1 regulatory axis governing hepatic fibrogenesis, with particular focus on understanding how SESN3 regulates extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis development.

The research deliverables will advance understanding of liver fibrosis pathogenesis and demonstrate the translational potential of SESN3 as a therapeutic target. Given that no effective treatment for liver fibrosis currently exists and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease represents the most prevalent cause of liver disease worldwide, the research outcomes are intended to inform future therapeutic development for this significant clinical problem. The project combines basic mechanistic investigations with translational relevance, consistent with NIDDK's programmatic emphasis on improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver diseases through extramural research funding.