Progress Update: Characterising Genetic Changes in Bile Ducts
Progress Update: Characterising Genetic Changes in Bile Ducts
Dr James Sun
We are pleased to share a significant update on the PSC Support-funded research project, 'Characterising genetic changes in bile ducts.' This work is a crucial step in fulfilling our goal to Unlock Understanding of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) by investigating the fundamental biological processes that cause the disease.
The research team has made excellent progress in setting up the foundational elements required for the study's core analysis:
- Sample Collection Complete: We are grateful to the PSC patients who agree to let researchers take samples for research purposes.
- 3D Model System Established: The complex three-dimensional (3D) model system, which will be essential for investigating how genetic changes affect bile duct cells, has been successfully set up and validated by the team.
- Critical Analysis Underway: The project is now moving into the key analytical phase. The team is currently working to conduct DNA sequencing to detect the precise genetic changes being investigated. The researchers are carefully assessing the most effective technique to use to ensure the data is meaningful and robust, reflecting a measured and scientific approach.
This work is part of our commitment to accelerating research to find the breakthroughs people with PSC so desperately need. If you have donated or fundraised for PSC. Thank you. These projects are only possible because of you.
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Improving Care: We attended a major national clinical conference to equip general gastroenterologists and nurses with specialist knowledge, which helps ensure future work is better aligned with what people with PSC need by improving local care and pathways.
Progressing Research: Our 2024 investment into early-stage research to build necessary scientific evidence enabled Dr James Sun to secure major national funding to explore the genetic drivers of the disease. This foundational knowledge is essential for identifying potential new treatments.
Progressing Research: We supported the development of a research manuscript on nutrition in PSC, so that the findings can be effectively shared with the wider medical community. This will help us advocate for the needs of people with PSC to ensure they get the care they need at the right time.
Improving Care: We hosted a clinical consensus meeting to map out an ideal PSC care pathway, which helps ensure future PSC management is better aligned with what people with PSC need. Establishing standard protocols across the NHS is essential for eliminating regional variations in care.
Progressing Research: We contributed to the strategic planning of an international rare liver disease network, which supports progress towards better care for people with PSC. Broadening our influence ensures patient needs are integrated into wider clinical strategies.
Improving Care: We shared firsthand experiences of living with PSC at an international medical school event, which improves clinical understanding of the disease for healthcare professionals. This is important because ensuring future specialists understand the human impact of PSC helps drive patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
Progressing Research: After just over 48 hours on our Big Give Small Charity Week match funding initiative, your donations helped us get to 78% of the way to our £20,000 goal! Thank you! Can we reach 100%?