3-D molecular atlas of the human kidney
Vanderbilt University Biomolecular Multimodal Imaging Center for 3-Dimensional Mapping of the Human Kidney
They are building detailed 3‑D maps of human kidneys using many imaging methods to help researchers and future patients understand kidney structure and molecules.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, the team collects human kidney tissue and applies many imaging and molecular methods to map cells, proteins, RNAs, lipids, and metabolites across whole kidneys. They combine mass spectrometry, highly multiplexed immunofluorescence, autofluorescence, stained microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, and single‑cell RNA sequencing to link molecular information with exact anatomical locations. The project stitches these data into a multimodal, multi‑scale atlas spanning single cells up to whole organs. The atlas will be shared with other researchers to support studies of kidney health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people undergoing kidney surgery, biopsy, nephrectomy, or organ donation who are willing to donate tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or not providing tissue samples are unlikely to receive direct, short‑term benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this resource could reveal new markers and targets that lead to better diagnosis, monitoring, and treatments for kidney diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Related large atlas efforts such as HuBMAP and the Human Cell Atlas have successfully mapped tissues, but this comprehensive, multimodal kidney atlas is a novel, more integrated effort.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spraggins, Jeffrey M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Spraggins, Jeffrey M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.