NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding a rare genetic disorder that affects children's metabolism.

Official title: Characterizing the natural history of sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS): a fundamental step in the development of a targeted cure for this novel atypical sphingolipidosis

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10781687 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into a rare condition called sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) in children, aiming to learn more about how the disease progresses and to find new ways to help kids with it, including possible gene therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startSeptember 10, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$693,471
NIH project number1R01HD113778-01
Project IDNIH-10781687 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome.

Less likely to help

Patients with other metabolic disorders unrelated to SPLIS may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS), a rare and severe metabolic disorder in children. It aims to characterize the natural history of the disease, which can lead to kidney failure and other serious health issues. The study involves developing biomarkers and exploring potential gene therapies, including the use of adeno-associated viruses to deliver corrective genes. By understanding the disease better, the research seeks to pave the way for targeted treatments that could improve outcomes for affected children.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments or even a cure for children suffering from SPLIS.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing gene therapies for similar metabolic disorders, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Saba, Julie D — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Saba, Julie D

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.