Biomarkers to understand obstructive sleep apnea using microRNAs
Official title: MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11419858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at the University of Pennsylvania will look for microRNA signs in the blood that reflect how bad sleep apnea is and how well CPAP therapy works for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $337,917 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL160471-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea who are considering or already using CPAP therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sleep apnea or those not undergoing CPAP might not benefit from this biomarker approach.
What this research studies
This project searches for microRNAs in blood that correlate with sleep apnea severity and response to CPAP therapy. Researchers will use sequencing to profile microRNAs and then validate findings with a clinically feasible qPCR test. The goal is to identify biomarkers that help doctors diagnose, monitor treatment effects, and predict who will benefit most from CPAP. Results could lead to simpler tests to guide personalized sleep disorder care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get quicker, more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans based on blood biomarkers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies suggest microRNA differences between people with sleep apnea and controls, with potential to predict blood pressure responses to CPAP.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magalang, Ulysses J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Magalang, Ulysses J
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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.