Targeting RNA to stop severe inflammation in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and its progression to cancer

Associate Professor Justin Wong

University of Sydney, NSW

$599,728

2026 - 2029

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Background:

In Australia, more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with primary liver cancer each year.

Fatty liver disease linked to poor metabolic health is becoming increasingly common in Australia and is a major risk factor for liver cancer. Liver cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers in Australia, largely due to the growing number of people developing metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease. This condition causes ongoing inflammation in the liver, which damages liver cells over time and can eventually lead to cancer. Currently, there are no effective interventions to treat fatty liver disease or safely control severe liver inflammation, creating an urgent need for new treatment options.

About the Project:

A/Prof Justin Wong and his team is aiming to develop a new treatment strategy to prevent and treat fatty liver disease and stop its progression to liver cancer. Researchers have discovered that targeting specific Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) molecules can reduce harmful inflammation in liver cells.

The team has developed an antisense oligonucleotide - a small, synthetic “gene-blocking” molecule, that can switch off inflammatory signals at the RNA level. Early laboratory studies in liver cancer cells show that this approach can significantly reduce inflammation. The project will now test this treatment in preclinical models of liver disease and liver cancer to see how well it works and how safe it is.

Impact:

This research could lead to the first effective treatment to slow or prevent the progression of fatty liver disease to liver cancer. By reducing damaging inflammation in the liver, this approach has the potential to protect liver health and lower cancer risk. The project includes a clear pathway to clinical trials within the next 10–15 years, working closely with industry and clinical partners. In the long term, this therapy could improve survival, reduce treatment side effects, and address a growing public health challenge in Australia.