Dopamine D2 receptor changes and risk of kidney problems
D2 receptor variation and renal dysfunction
This work looks at whether changes in the dopamine D2 receptor make people with salt-sensitive blood pressure more likely to get kidney damage or have blood pressure worsen on low-salt diets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251207 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They combine human gene-expression and genetic data with animal experiments to understand how variation in the DRD2 gene affects the kidney. The team uses existing patient datasets that show lower D2 receptor expression in people with chronic kidney disease and tests specific DRD2 variants linked to inverse salt sensitivity. In animals, they use mice and rats with altered D2 function to see how sodium intake and other receptors (like the angiotensin and alpha1-adrenergic systems) change blood pressure, inflammation, and scarring in the kidney. The goal is to connect the human genetics and lab findings to explain who might be harmed or helped by low-salt diets and by changes in D2 signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or a history of salt-sensitive or inverse salt-sensitive blood pressure are the most likely candidates to take part or benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: People without blood pressure or kidney problems and who are not salt-sensitive are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people who are at risk of kidney damage from certain salt diets and point to more personalized recommendations or treatments to protect kidney health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human gene-expression data and animal studies have shown lower DRD2 expression in CKD and that loss of D2 function can cause salt-sensitive or inverse salt-sensitive blood pressure, so the approach builds on existing but not yet definitive evidence.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jose, Pedro a. — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Jose, Pedro a.
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.