Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio received a $639,990 Project Grant award 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), effective May 1, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2031. This research initiative investigates the role of oxidized phospholipids (OXPLs) in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and its progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The project builds on preliminary findings demonstrating that OXPL neutralization via the E06 antibody reduces diet-induced liver steatosis, inflammation, injury, and fibrosis in transgenic mouse models.

The research will advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which OXPLs drive oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species elevation in MASH-affected livers, while evaluating whether OXPLs promote progression from MASH to HCC. This work addresses a critical public health gap, as MASH represents the fastest-growing cause of HCC—a condition affecting approximately 25% of the global population with significantly elevated mortality rates. By clarifying the causative role of OXPLs in disease pathogenesis, the research supports NIDDK's mission to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of metabolic and liver diseases through basic biomedical investigation.