How a tumor RNA called CRNDE weakens immune attacks in liver cancer
Investigating the Immunosuppressive Function of lncRNA CRNDE in Hepatic Tumorigenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11301011
This research tests whether blocking a tumor-made RNA called CRNDE can help immune cells better attack hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301011 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have liver cancer, researchers think your tumor may send a long RNA called CRNDE in tiny vesicles into nearby immune cells and weaken their ability to fight the cancer by binding to a protein called CypB and lowering NFATc signaling. They will study tumor samples and immune cells in the lab to map how CRNDE causes immune-cell dysfunction and will use mouse models to see whether blocking CRNDE restores immune-cell activity. The team will use patient-derived tumor material, extracellular-vesicle analysis, cellular experiments, and in vivo CRNDE inhibition to measure effects on T cells and tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with hepatocellular carcinoma who can provide tumor tissue or may later enroll in trials targeting CRNDE-mediated immune suppression.
Not a fit: People without liver cancer or whose tumors are driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking CRNDE could boost anti-tumor immune responses and improve treatment outcomes for people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting tumor-derived long RNAs is a relatively new, mostly preclinical approach with promising lab results but limited clinical proof so far.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, JINQIANG — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, JINQIANG
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.
Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancers