Investigating circular RNAs in liver diseases
Official title: Circular RNAs in Cholestatic Liver Diseases
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10898186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny molecules in your body, called circular RNAs, might be linked to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease, to help find new ways to understand and treat the condition.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $561,785 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139587-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis or related cholestatic liver diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases not related to cholestasis or those without a diagnosis of PSC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a serious liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. The study aims to explore the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and other noncoding RNAs in the disease process, utilizing advanced RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to identify specific circRNAs that may be involved in liver injury. By understanding how these molecules function, the research seeks to uncover potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for PSC. Patients may be monitored for changes in circRNA expression related to their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools or treatments for patients suffering from cholestatic liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of circRNAs in liver diseases is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding their functions in other conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.
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.