Blood microRNA markers for obstructive sleep apnea
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Seeks blood microRNA patterns that can help detect obstructive sleep apnea and show who is likely to respond to CPAP treatment.
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 ID | NIH-11184381 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll provide small blood samples so researchers can look at microRNAs — tiny molecules that change with low oxygen during sleep. The team will sequence all short RNAs from blood and use clinically-feasible qPCR tests to measure promising microRNAs in larger groups of people with and without OSA. They will compare microRNA levels to disease severity, blood pressure changes, and responses to CPAP therapy. The goal is to find easy-to-measure blood signals that could help identify OSA, monitor treatment, and predict outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with diagnosed or suspected obstructive sleep apnea, including people starting or using CPAP, who can provide blood samples and clinical sleep data.
Not a fit: People without OSA, those unable to give blood, or those with primarily central sleep apnea may not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test to help diagnose OSA, track CPAP response, and predict risk of complications.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies have suggested promising microRNA differences between OSA cases and controls and links to blood pressure response to CPAP, but larger validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magalang, Ulysses J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Magalang, Ulysses 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.