Creating a model of kidney filtration using advanced technology

Design of the Glomerulus and bOwman cApsuLe on a chip (GOAL)

['FUNDING_R21'] · UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · NIH-10810038

This study is creating a tiny model of the kidney to help researchers understand how it works and what goes wrong in chronic kidney disease, so they can learn more about how to support kidney health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10810038 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a microfluidic model that mimics the kidney's glomerular filtration process, which is crucial for understanding chronic kidney disease. By using advanced techniques like multiphoton laser ablation and 3D printing, the researchers aim to recreate the complex architecture of glomeruli and populate it with specialized kidney cells. The model will be tested to see how well it supports cell growth and differentiation, as well as its ability to filter fluids under realistic conditions. This innovative approach could provide insights into kidney function and disease mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic kidney disease or genetic glomerular disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with acute kidney injury not related to glomerular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for chronic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using microfluidic models to study kidney function, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

SYRACUSE, 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.