Blocking a kidney enzyme to reduce cisplatin-caused kidney damage
Inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase α as a novel strategy to mitigate the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin
This project will see whether blocking an enzyme called DAGLα can help protect people receiving cisplatin chemotherapy from kidney damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to target an enzyme (DAGLα) that helps produce a signaling molecule in the kidney's endocannabinoid system. In laboratory and animal models of cisplatin treatment they will give a DAGLα inhibitor and look for reduced tissue injury and better kidney function. They will measure biochemical signals, tissue damage, and standard kidney function tests to understand how the enzyme influences cisplatin toxicity. The team hopes findings will point to a treatment approach that could later be tested in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People scheduled to receive cisplatin chemotherapy who are worried about or at risk for kidney side effects would be the primary candidates for eventual clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving cisplatin or whose kidney problems are due to other causes would likely not benefit directly from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the risk of kidney damage from cisplatin and allow safer chemotherapy dosing.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work targeting cannabinoid receptors suggests the endocannabinoid system affects kidney injury, but inhibiting DAGLα is a relatively new approach that has mostly preclinical support so far.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Ningjun — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Li, Ningjun
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.