Blocking iron-driven cell death in kidney tubules for lupus nephritis
Official title: Targeting ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells to improve outcomes of lupus nephritis
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11295394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers aim to stop a type of iron-driven cell death in kidney tubules to help protect kidneys and lower the chance of kidney failure in people with lupus nephritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $454,451 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136011-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with lupus nephritis—especially those with evidence of tubular injury or worsening kidney function—who are willing to provide blood samples or kidney biopsy material would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with lupus who do not have kidney involvement or those already on long-term dialysis for end-stage kidney disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project looks at how iron builds up in the kidney tubules of people with lupus nephritis and causes a damaging cell death called ferroptosis. Scientists will study kidney tissue from people with lupus, use mouse models, and expose kidney cells to patient blood serum to see how ferroptosis starts. They will measure enzymes that turn ferroptosis on or off (such as ACSL4 and SLC7A11) and test ways to block ferroptosis in cells and animals. The goal is to identify targets that could be developed into treatments to protect tubules and slow progression to kidney failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect kidney tubules, reduce kidney damage, and lower the risk of needing dialysis or a transplant.
How similar studies have gone: Early animal and laboratory studies suggest blocking ferroptosis can protect kidneys in some conditions, but applying this approach specifically to lupus nephritis is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scindia, Yogesh — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Scindia, Yogesh
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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.