Circular RNAs in Cholestatic Liver Diseases
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11377361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at circular RNAs and other noncoding RNAs to understand their role in a liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis and how they may influence inflammation and scarring of bile ducts.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,123,570 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK139587-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with PSC or related cholestatic liver conditions, and those who may contribute tissue or data samples to future analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated liver diseases or those not contributing samples or data may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Patients with PSC face liver damage from blocked bile flow and chronic inflammation. The study will explore how circular RNAs and other noncoding RNAs behave in liver disease using animal models and advanced RNA sequencing to identify potential mechanisms and targets. By linking circRNA patterns to inflammation and fibrosis, the research aims to uncover biomarkers and ideas for future therapies. The work is conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University under the guidance of Huiping Zhou and collaborators, with data generated from disease-relevant models and bioinformatics analyses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving liver outcomes in PSC patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that noncoding RNAs can influence liver disease processes, but the specific role of circRNAs in PSC is an active and promising area with potential for new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Huiping — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Huiping
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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.