A scent-sensing receptor in the kidney that influences blood pressure
Olfactory Receptor 558 (OLFR558) Ligands and Blood Pressure Regulation
This research looks at whether natural molecules that turn on a scent-sensing receptor in the kidney change blood pressure differently in males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered an odor-sensing receptor called OLFR558 in kidney cells that help control renin and blood pressure. They will identify which natural molecules activate OLFR558 and measure whether those molecules circulate at levels that could matter in the body. The team will test the blood-pressure effects of these ligands in normal mice and in mice lacking OLFR558, comparing males and females. The goal is to map how OLFR558 signals in the kidney and blood vessels and to find promising ligands for future treatment development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high blood pressure, particularly those with sex-linked differences in blood pressure such as premenopausal women or men showing different renin profiles, would be the most likely future candidates to benefit.
Not a fit: People without hypertension or whose blood pressure is caused by unrelated structural or endocrine conditions may be less likely to benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets or molecules to treat high blood pressure and could support sex-specific therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work showed OLFR558 influences blood pressure and renin activity in mice, but applying specific ligands in vivo is a novel and relatively untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pluznick, Jennifer L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pluznick, Jennifer L
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.