# Role of Hepatocyte ATF3 in NAFLD

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $458,214

## Abstract

Project Summary
Project Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in
developed countries, which ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). So far, the
mechanisms underlying the development of NAFLD is poorly understood. Activating transcription factor 3
(ATF3) is a member of the ATF/cAMP response element-binding (ATF/CREB) family of transcription factors,
and inhibits inflammatory response in macrophages. Until now, nothing has been known about the role of
hepatic ATF3 in lipid metabolism. Our preliminary studies have shown that hepatic ATF3 expression is
markedly reduced under common metabolic stress. Over-expression of ATF3 in the liver improves lipid
homeostasis whereas loss of hepatic ATF3 has opposite effects. In this project, we will investigate whether and
how hepatic ATF3 regulates the development of NAFLD. We will use both gain- and loss-of-function
approaches to complete this project. Completion of the proposed studies may help identify hepatocyte ATF3 as
a key regulator of lipid metabolism and the development of NAFLD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10224182
- **Project number:** 5R01DK118941-04
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yanqiao Zhang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $458,214
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10224182

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10224182, Role of Hepatocyte ATF3 in NAFLD (5R01DK118941-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10224182. Licensed CC0.

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