Creating a Kidney Model on a Chip to Understand Kidney Development
Nephrogenesis on a chip: an simple modular platform to spatially pattern extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and soluble factors
This project is building a tiny, easy-to-use model of a developing kidney on a chip to help scientists better understand how kidneys form.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a special 3D model of a developing kidney, often called a "kidney on a chip," to learn more about how these vital organs grow. This model allows them to precisely control the environment, including the surrounding tissues and chemical signals, to see how they influence kidney cell development. The goal is to make this new system simple enough for many different labs to use, even if they aren't experts in this type of technology. By sharing this tool, more scientists can investigate the complex interactions that guide kidney formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with kidney diseases or those at risk of kidney problems could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained through this basic science research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or direct clinical interventions will not directly benefit from this foundational research, as it focuses on developing a research tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This foundational work could lead to a deeper understanding of kidney development, which is essential for finding new ways to prevent or treat kidney diseases and potentially grow new kidney tissues in the future.
How similar studies have performed: While animal and organoid models have provided insights, this project aims to create a novel, easy-to-use modular platform for wider research use.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- University of Delaware — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gleghorn, Jason Paul — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Gleghorn, Jason Paul
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.