Molecular clues in ascites that may predict infections in cirrhosis
Official title: Molecular characterization of ascites fluid to identify drivers of infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11387707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study the fluid in the abdomen of people with cirrhosis to find signs that predict dangerous infections and death.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $173,664 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK139453-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites who are at risk for SBP may participate through sample donation and related assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ascites or with a different liver condition may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
In people with decompensated cirrhosis, infections like spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) greatly raise the risk of death. This project will look at ascites fluid using advanced genomic and transcriptomic methods to map the bacteria and human responses present. A second part will test a broad library of bacterial peptides to understand the antibody response in ascites. The goal is to build a foundational atlas that can help identify who is most at risk for SBP and poor outcomes, guiding future prevention and treatment efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier identification of high-risk patients and new avenues for preventing SBP and related deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that microbial and immune signatures in ascites can reflect disease risk, supporting a translational path for this atlas.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klepper, Arielle — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Klepper, Arielle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Proximal Splenic Artery Embolization to Help People with Tough-to-Manage Ascites from Cirrhosis
A small patient-centered study tests a minimally invasive procedure to reduce ascites and improve quality of life for people with decompensated liver cirrhosis who can’t safely have a TIPS procedure.
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Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis
A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
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Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin
This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center
A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.
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Understanding how risk factors affect progression of cirrhosis and response to statins in patients with cirrhosis
This project follows people with cirrhosis to see what factors speed up their liver disease and whether statin medicines help prevent worsening.
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.