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:
Building Partnerships: We planned our attendance at major liver and gastro events this year to ensure healthcare professionals know about PSC and the guidelines around it.
Empowering our Community: We published our monthly research roundup to keep the community informed about research progress and advocacy news.
Improving Care: We collaborated with partners to develop a standardised care pathway, aiming for consistent care for everyone with PSC.
Organisational Excellence: We discussed how to show our appreciation to our donors in a more personal way.
Organisational Excellence: We provided research impact data to the Association of Medical Research Charities to maintain our high standards of transparency in research.
Organisational Excellence: We strengthened our data management systems to better track the impact of the research projects we fund.
Organisational Excellence: We signed off our budget for 26/27 to ensure we have proper and critical oversight of our spending.
Progressing Research: We updated the Asp-PSC clinical trial sites to ensure PSC patients are up to date on where they can go to take part in the trial and we held a webinar all about it!