Creating new imaging tools to better understand kidney fibrosis
Official title: Developing imaging nanoprobes to advance prognosis of kidney fibrosis
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10792905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new imaging tools that can safely check for kidney damage in people with chronic kidney disease, helping doctors understand how the condition is progressing without needing to do invasive procedures like biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $120,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DK134791-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease who are experiencing or at risk of kidney fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute kidney injury or those without chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative imaging nanoprobes that can noninvasively assess kidney fibrosis, a condition that worsens chronic kidney disease (CKD). By targeting macrophages, which play a crucial role in kidney fibrosis progression, these imaging tools aim to provide a more accurate prognosis and guide treatment decisions for patients with CKD. The study seeks to move away from traditional biopsy methods, which can be invasive and carry risks, towards safer imaging techniques that can monitor kidney health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, potentially slowing its progression and enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess kidney conditions, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Leyuan — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Leyuan
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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.