AI-created 3D views of kidney biopsy tissue

AI-empowered 3D Computer Vision and Image-Omics Integration for Digital Kidney Histopathology

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11251202

This project uses AI to turn routine kidney biopsy images into 3D maps to help doctors better understand kidney disease and transplant rejection in adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11251202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would have routine kidney biopsy slides processed into detailed 3D reconstructions using artificial intelligence applied to the usual 2D scanned images. The researchers will combine these 3D images with molecular data (spatial transcriptomics) to link tissue structure with local gene activity. Their toolkits (Map3D, Pheno3D, GPS3D) aim to make pathology readings more consistent and to find new imaging and molecular markers. The goal is to help doctors give more personalized diagnoses and prognoses for people with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who are undergoing or have undergone a kidney biopsy, including people with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients, are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People without kidney disease, children, or anyone not having a kidney biopsy are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more accurate and personalized diagnosis and prognosis for people with chronic kidney disease and transplant rejection.

How similar studies have performed: Digital pathology and AI have improved 2D image analysis before, but applying AI to build 3D kidney histology and combining it with spatial transcriptomics is largely novel.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.