A new fish model for kidney conditions
Developing Danionella cerebrum as an adult vertebrate model to study kidney disease
This project aims to create a clear, small fish model to help scientists better understand kidney conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057575 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are working to develop a new type of fish, called Danionella cerebrum, as a transparent model to observe kidney conditions. This tiny fish, related to zebrafish, stays small and clear even as an adult, allowing scientists to easily see what's happening inside its kidneys using standard microscopes. By creating special 3D-printed chambers, they can watch the same fish over time to see how kidney injuries develop and heal. This approach could make it easier and more affordable for many more scientists to study kidney conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to anyone affected by kidney conditions, as it aims to improve the tools used to understand these diseases.
Not a fit: Patients will not directly participate in or receive immediate treatment from this specific project, as it focuses on developing a research model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new fish model could accelerate discoveries about kidney conditions by making research more accessible and efficient for scientists.
How similar studies have performed: While zebrafish models are commonly used, this project introduces a novel, even more transparent adult fish model with unique advantages for kidney research.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mangos, Steve — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mangos, Steve
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.