Shared Resource Core for Myotonic Dystrophy Biomarkers and Biospecimen Access
Official title: Shared Resource Core
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11423667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A core resource at a major university will make muscle samples, DNA, cell lines, and a key biomarker for myotonic dystrophy more accessible to researchers and patients alike.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $143,320 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AR085906-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11423667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with myotonic dystrophy or those who may contribute samples (muscle tissue, DNA, or cell lines) with proper consent and clinical characterization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not contributing samples or not involved in sample-based research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This core aims to connect researchers with high-quality, well-characterized samples and data from myotonic dystrophy patients. It will provide standardized bioinformatic tools and processes to measure the Splice Index biomarker, which reflects disease-related changes in gene splicing. By improving access and consistency, the core supports more reliable translational efforts and faster progress toward therapies. The project emphasizes collaboration with clinical partners, data sharing, and clear characterization of specimens and genetic/clinical features.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could see faster development of disease-modifying therapies and improved access to well-characterized research samples.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows the Splice Index biomarker correlates with muscle function and can be measured reliably across samples, supporting its continued use in trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berglund, Andrew — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Berglund, Andrew
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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.