NIH-funded research R01 grant

New RNA molecules to improve liver cancer treatment

Official title: Novel biologic RNA molecules to modulate HCC metabolism

Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10936391 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring new RNA treatments that could help improve care for people with liver cancer by restoring important molecules that are often missing in cancer cells, potentially leading to better treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$483,591
NIH project number1R01CA291771-01
Project IDNIH-10936391 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or those at high risk for developing liver cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients with liver cancer types other than hepatocellular carcinoma may not receive benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative RNA molecules to better understand and potentially treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common type of liver cancer. The approach involves restoring specific microRNAs that are often lost in HCC cells, which play a crucial role in regulating cancer cell metabolism. By utilizing a novel bioengineering platform, the researchers aim to create RNA molecules that mimic natural ones produced in the body, enhancing their therapeutic effectiveness. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that target the underlying mechanisms of liver cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for liver cancer, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using RNA molecules for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in therapy.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California at Davis
    Davis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yu, Aiming — University of California at Davis
  • Study coordinator: Yu, Aiming

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.