An integrated gene-to-patient Data Commons for NAFLD Research
Based in Scotland, it is a ground-breaking project to develop new tests and treatments for people with NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) the progressive form of NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease).
A Data Commons brings together data, storage and computing systems. It’s a widely used tool for analysing and sharing data to create a resource for a wide range of users including the research community and clinicians – and potentially patients and charities too. As more health data is added, our NASH Data Commons will evolve into a smarter, more comprehensive knowledge system that will be used to make new discoveries to understand and treat this disease better. It will help us to develop and validate new tests for NASH, and to identify patients who will get the most benefit from new therapies.
We’re calling it SteatoSITE.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of liver disease, affecting 1 in 4 adults. However, not everyone with a fatty liver goes on to have serious liver problems; only about 20% progress to the more severe form, called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to liver cirrhosis (where healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue), liver cancer and premature death. Currently, we have no way of telling which people with NAFLD might develop NASH or cirrhosis and there are no medicines ‘on the market’ to treat this condition.
The crucial question is why does NAFLD progress in some people but not in others? The answer to this will pave the way for new diagnostic tests, so NHS resources can be focussed on people with NAFLD who need it most. A detailed understanding of NAFLD will also help us develop the most effective treatments, which could eventually be tailored to individual patients (‘personalised medicine’).
Guts UK is pleased to announce we have awarded Professor Jonathan Fallowfield at the University of Edinburgh £49,622.50 for research into liver disease. What is
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are part of an international collaboration that has been awarded €750,000 (£690,000) for a project to develop diagnostic tools
Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow presented at the TEDxGlasgow 2019 event recently, highlighting the role she sees for Scotland
Our lead clinician, Professor Jonathan Fallowfield has been interviewed by the Daily Mail, talking about the prevalence and prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7076061/Which-two-cause-chronic-liver-disease-Astonishingly-could.html
