Synergizing biophysics and AI to identify NASH therapeutics

Fatty liver disease (a.k.a. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) and progressive liver fibrosis are a critical health concern across the world affecting as much as 25% of the world population and have become an enormous health concern leading to liver failure and hepatic carcinoma. There are no established drug regimens for these liver diseases. To develop much needed therapeutics, we will use a mouse model that recapitulates the exact human syndrome including all of the liver diseases. Our preliminary work using this mouse model has identified a key protein that is involved in both sugar and fat metabolism. Using molecular modelling techniques, we will rational design an inhibitor for this protein and test them afterwards. This drug will fulfill and very well recognized unmet need affecting many millions of people.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Trifiro;Miltiadis Paliouras

Student:

Partner:

NASH Metabolics

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: