Creating new tools to study type IV collagens and their role in diseases

Development of novel genetic tools for the study of type IV collagens

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10975838

This study is looking at how a special type of collagen, which is important for our body's structure, works and how it relates to diseases like Alport syndrome, and they're creating special mouse models to help see these collagens in action so they can learn more about these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10975838 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how type IV collagens function in the extracellular matrix and their involvement in genetic and acquired diseases. The team aims to develop innovative genetic tools that allow for the visualization and isolation of these collagens in various biological contexts. By creating mouse models with fluorescently tagged collagens, researchers will be able to observe changes in collagen behavior over time and in different conditions, which is crucial for advancing our knowledge of related diseases. This approach could lead to better insights into conditions like Alport syndrome, which is linked to mutations in these collagens.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alport syndrome or related hereditary nephropathies.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to type IV collagens or those not affected by genetic nephropathies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for diseases associated with type IV collagen mutations.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using genetic tools to study collagen-related diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions Alport syndromeAlport syndrome (AS, ATS)Alport syndrome-like hereditary nephritisAlport syndrome-like hereditary nephritis (ASLHN, ASLN)Alport's Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.