VCU-Atlanta Center for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)

The overarching aims of this Center are to help advance the clinical, research, and educational goals of the ChiLDReN grant with a particular emphasis on engaging cutting- edge genome studies as a basis for discovery, innovation, and improvements in outcomes and care. As such, the aims of this application are not only to provide comprehensive research opportunities for children at the Atlanta sub-site, but to continue the important, unique, novel and ongoing Genomics work for ChiLDReN. Aim 1: Continue robust Clinical Center participation in all aspects of ChiLDReN. The Atlanta site at Emory/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest enrollers in ChiLDReN studies and is the only ChiLDReN site in the SouthEast. The infrastructure is in place to continue and build upon the history of successful enrollment and retention of participants. The PI and subsite PI will continue close collaboration to ensure compliance and optimal enrolment and collection of data and biospecimens. Aim 2: Continue Genomics WorkGroup leadership for consortium-wide collaborative analyses and stewardship of genetic data for ongoing and future ChiLDReN studies. The Genomics WorkGroup, led by the site PI, will be able to continue novel paradigm-shifting work on understanding the direct causes and exacerbants of cholestatic disorders of childhood, with a specific focus on biliary atresia (BA). Application of modern genetic analytical technologies in this large group of participants are likely to lead to novel discoveries for etiology, disease modification, and therapeutic targeting.