# Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN)

> **NIH NIH U01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $250,001

## Abstract

In recent decades, Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), has become the most common chronic liver condition, leading to
cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease. This trend isn't confined to adults; children
and adolescents are also affected, increasing the need for liver transplants among young adults. Two decades
ago, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) established the Non-
Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN) to advance clinical and translational
research in adult and pediatric MASLD. Their mission is to translate scientific findings from lab, clinical, and
population studies into practical applications, ultimately reducing MASLD incidence, slowing disease
progression, and improving clinical outcomes. Over 20 years, NASH CRN has led NAFLD research, creating
valuable databases, conducting randomized trials, and disseminating high-quality studies. Looking ahead, the
CRN will leverage its established infrastructure and accumulated knowledge to develop diagnostic tests,
biomarkers for disease progression, and safe, cost-effective NASH treatments. This renewal application aims
to complete ongoing NASH CRN studies: Database 3 (DB3) and Vitamin E Dosing Study (VEDS).
Furthermore, the Duke/Lurie Children's Memorial site proposes novel investigations focusing on accelerated
senescence to predict high-risk populations in pediatric and adult cohorts. The central hypothesis is that
patients prone to premature hepatocyte senescence are at greater risk of progressive liver degeneration,
severe hepatic fibrosis, and higher morbidity and mortality due to MASLD. These investigations draw from
recent research, utilizing existing data and biosamples while considering biological disparities to improve
outcomes in pediatric and adult populations. The goal is to deepen our understanding of MASLD and pioneer
innovative approaches for better disease management.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10983029
- **Project number:** 2U01DK061713-23
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ayako Suzuki
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $250,001
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2002-05-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10983029

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10983029, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN) (2U01DK061713-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10983029. Licensed CC0.

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