3D molecular atlas of the human kidney (KIDSSMAP)

Kidney single cell and spatial molecular atlas project - KIDSSMAP

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11126771

This project will build a detailed 3D map showing the cells and molecules in the human kidney to help people with kidney disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11126771 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will analyze human kidney tissue using methods that measure RNA, chromatin accessibility, proteins, lipids, and metabolites across 3D tissue blocks, thin sections, and isolated cells. They will combine these different molecular datasets with computational pipelines to map where cell types and molecules sit in the kidney and how that varies by age, sex, and race. The team will standardize quality control, track samples, and share data with the HuBMAP consortium so other scientists can use the atlas. The final resource aims to provide a baseline map to spot changes that occur in kidney disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants would be people who can donate kidney tissue or samples, such as patients undergoing kidney surgery or biopsy and healthy organ donors.

Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because the project is creating a reference atlas rather than testing therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this atlas could help researchers and clinicians detect disease-related changes earlier and guide development of better diagnostics and treatments for kidney disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell and spatial mapping projects for kidneys and other organs have produced useful reference datasets, although combining many molecular types into a comprehensive 3D kidney atlas is still novel.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.