Liquid biopsy with cell-free DNA to watch sepsis in patients
Official title: Liquid biopsy cell-free DNA analysis to monitor sepsis
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11387802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-scientist is being trained over five years to use blood-based cell-free DNA as a biomarker to detect and monitor sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $166,204 |
| NIH project number | 5K08GM150038-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with sepsis or suspected sepsis who could contribute samples for biomarker studies and future trials.
✕Less likely to help
This program may primarily develop the investigator's skills and methods, with indirect benefits to patients if later translational work is not pursued.
What this research studies
This K08 grant supports a five-year plan to develop expertise in applying cell-free DNA techniques to sepsis, with mentorship from an established CF-DNA expert. The work will leverage epigenetic analysis and deep learning to identify biomarkers in patient blood samples and guide future clinical studies. The goal is to prepare the investigator to lead independent translational research that could improve how we diagnose and track sepsis in seriously ill patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with sepsis could receive faster and more accurate monitoring through blood-based biomarkers.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work in cfDNA and epigenetic signatures has shown promise in other diseases, supporting potential applicability to sepsis.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Semenkovich, Nicholas P — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Semenkovich, Nicholas P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using blood tests to track sepsis through cell-free DNA analysis
This study is looking at how cell-free DNA in your blood could help doctors spot sepsis earlier, which could lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients.
-
Role of blood flow mechanics and transfusion in sepsis-related tiny-cl vessel clots
A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
-
Coordinating ARDS, Pneumonia, and Sepsis research to improve care
A national coordinating center helps researchers studying ARDS and related infections work together more efficiently to learn what helps patients recover.
-
Role of MMP3 in heart dysfunction during sepsis
This research tests whether blocking MMP3 can protect the heart and improve survival during sepsis in adults.
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.