Understanding how a protein called LIN28B helps liver cancer spread

Defining pro-metastatic and endothelial-regulatory roles for LIN28B in hepatocellular carcinoma

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11138642

This project aims to understand how a specific protein called LIN28B helps liver cancer grow and spread, hoping to find new ways to stop it.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138642 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a very serious disease where tumors often spread and rely on new blood vessels to grow. We are looking closely at a protein called LIN28B, which is often found in HCC and is linked to a higher risk of death. Our goal is to figure out exactly how LIN28B helps liver cancer cells spread and how it interacts with the cells that form blood vessels. By studying human tumor samples and circulating tumor cells, we hope to uncover new targets for future treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who might benefit from future therapies developed from this understanding.

Not a fit: Patients without hepatocellular carcinoma or those whose cancer does not involve the LIN28B pathway may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target the LIN28B pathway and related blood vessel growth, offering new hope for patients with liver cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While LIN28B has been identified as a driver in other cancers like pancreatic cancer, its specific roles in HCC metastasis and blood vessel regulation are being newly explored in this project.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.