Chronotherapy of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (B04)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541063275

Chronobiologist Leonardo de Assis and clinical hepatologist Münevver Demir propose to investigate the role of circadian clocks in the pathogenesis and therapy of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with a particular focus on the temporal impact of exercise, a critical treatment for MASLD, and on the liver clock and its role in lipid metabolism and MASLD progression. Using molecular studies in an established mouse model of MASLD and clinical data from a prospective MASLD cohort, they will quantify circadian disruption and correlate clock effects with disease outcomes. Genetic intervention and comprehensive molecular measurements in mice will allow elucidation of the interaction of liver clocks and timing of exercise in the beneficial effects of exercise on MASLD.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 418: Foundations of Circadian Medicine
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Leonardo De Assis, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Münevver Demir