Atlanta center for childhood liver disease and genetics
VCU-Atlanta Center for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)
This Atlanta site collects health and genetic information from children with biliary atresia and other childhood liver conditions to help improve diagnosis and care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163526 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child joins this Atlanta ChiLDReN center, clinicians will gather medical histories, perform study visits, and collect blood or tissue samples for genetic testing. The site is a major enroller in the ChiLDReN network and leads a Genomics WorkGroup that links genetic findings to clinical outcomes. Data and biospecimens are shared across the network under controlled stewardship to support collaborative analyses. Participation may involve follow-up visits, medical record review, and permission to store samples for future research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (infants through about 11 years old) diagnosed with biliary atresia or other cholestatic childhood liver disorders, and their caregivers, are the ideal candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Adults, children without liver disease, or those unwilling/unable to provide medical records or samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to earlier diagnosis, more personalized treatment options, and better long-term outcomes for children with cholestatic liver disease like biliary atresia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ChiLDReN network and other pediatric liver genomic studies have already identified genetic contributors and improved understanding of disease, though much of the genomics work remains novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karpen, Saul J. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Karpen, Saul J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.