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:
Progressing Research: We supported a major research funding application to help secure the resources needed for high-quality studies into PSC treatments. This vital work ensures that promising scientific ideas have the backing they need to become the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Improving Care: We attended the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) Immune Special Interest Group meeting to stay at the forefront of clinical advances. By focusing on areas like transition care for young people, we ensure our future work is perfectly aligned with the evolving needs of the PSC community.
Progressing Research: We championed the use of new tools that help doctors better understand how PSC affects daily wellbeing. By focusing on these patient-reported outcomes, we are ensuring that future clinical trials measure the symptoms that matter most to our community.
Building Partnerships: We met with national regulators to ensure that patient symptoms are officially recognised when new medicines are being assessed. This advocacy is vital for making sure the patient voice directly influences whether new PSC treatments are approved for use.
Organisational Excellence: We explored how emerging technologies like AI can be used to spot liver changes earlier. Staying at the forefront of innovation supports our strategic goal to turn scientific discoveries into faster diagnoses and better treatments.
Improving Care: We worked with our helpline nurse to improve our helpline services and digital learning, ensuring every patient gets expert support when they need it.
Empowering our Community: We updated our website with the latest findings from our funded research programmes. By turning complex scientific breakthroughs into accessible information, we ensure you stay informed about the progress your donations are making possible.
Organisational Excellence: We analysed our social media reach to ensure our health information and research updates are reaching as many people as possible. This helps us grow our community and ensures that no one has to face a PSC diagnosis alone.