Circular RNAs and Liver Diseases
Official title: Circular RNAs in Cholestatic Liver Diseases
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11061406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how tiny genetic molecules called circular RNAs might contribute to serious liver conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,785 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is relevant for patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis or other cholestatic liver diseases, as it seeks to understand the underlying disease mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cholestatic liver diseases would not directly benefit from this specific research, as it focuses on the mechanisms of these particular conditions.
What this research studies
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a severe liver disease causing inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts, which can lead to significant health problems. Our bodies produce many noncoding RNAs, including circular RNAs, whose roles in disease are still largely unknown. This project aims to understand how these circular RNAs behave in cholestatic liver diseases and if they play a part in the inflammation and scarring. By looking at these tiny molecules, we hope to uncover new ways to understand and potentially help manage these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new biological targets for developing better diagnostic tools or treatments for cholestatic liver diseases like PSC.
How similar studies have gone: While the general concept of noncoding RNAs in disease is known, the specific role and function of circular RNAs in cholestatic liver diseases are largely unexplored and represent a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Huiping Rose — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Huiping Rose
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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.