A sodium channel in immune cells that affects blood pressure
ENaC regulation and its role in blood pressure homeostasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11244489
This research looks at whether changes in a sodium channel found in immune cells cause salt-sensitive high blood pressure in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11244489 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a particular ENaC subunit (the d subunit) that is active in human immune cells and linked to blood pressure differences. They will make immune cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells that either lack or carry specific SCNN1D gene changes, then introduce those human cells into immune-deficient mice to see how they affect salt-driven blood pressure. The team will also study how factors like extracellular sodium, protease cleavage, and protein modifications control the channel's activity. Findings aim to connect human genetic variants to immune-cell behavior and blood pressure regulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with salt-sensitive hypertension or those known to carry variants in the ENaC/SCNN1D gene would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose high blood pressure is not salt-sensitive or who lack the relevant ENaC gene changes may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets for salt-sensitive high blood pressure by focusing on ENaC function in immune cells.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and animal studies have linked ENaC and immune-cell ENaC activity to blood pressure, but using human-derived immune cells to test patient-linked variants is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KLEYMAN, THOMAS R — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: KLEYMAN, THOMAS R
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.