Investigating how cytoplasmic chromatin fragments contribute to liver cancer during aging
Official title: Project 2: Cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCF) as a driver of liver cancer and target for intervention during aging
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10908396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny pieces of DNA in liver cells might contribute to liver cancer as we get older, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat this type of cancer that could help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $413,965 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG073084-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults at risk for liver cancer or those diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver cancer unrelated to aging or those without any liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCF) in the development of liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as people age. It explores how aging-related changes in cells can lead to the accumulation of these fragments, which may trigger inflammation and promote cancer progression. By examining the mechanisms behind CCF and their effects on liver health, the research aims to identify potential new therapies and preventive strategies for liver cancer. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments targeting these cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or treat liver cancer in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting cellular aging processes to improve health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Peter D. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Adams, Peter D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Aging and liver cancer: new ways to prevent and fight hepatocellular carcinoma
This research explores how aging promotes liver cancer and tests new preventive approaches that could help people at higher risk due to age.
-
Abnormal DNA fragments that may drive age-related liver cancer
Researchers are exploring whether small pieces of DNA that leak into cells cause inflammation and liver cancer in older adults, and whether blocking that process could help people with fatty liver disease or reduce risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
-
How aging raises liver cancer risk and ways to prevent it
Researchers are exploring whether targeting age-related changes in cells and immune signals can lower the risk of liver cancer in older adults.
-
Understanding how aging increases the risk of liver cancer
This study looks at how getting older can raise the chances of developing liver cancer and aims to find ways to help older adults stay healthier by understanding the changes in their liver as they age.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)
A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
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.