Effects of metal mixtures on kidney development and function
Official title: Metal mixture effects on mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney development and maturation: Towards a whole mixture risk assessment
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11062385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being around certain harmful metals, like arsenic and lead, during important growth stages can affect how kidneys develop and work, helping us find early signs of kidney problems that could lead to chronic issues later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $710,018 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033466-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and their offspring, particularly those exposed to environmental nephrotoxic metals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of exposure to nephrotoxic metals may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to mixtures of nephrotoxic metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury during critical developmental periods affects kidney development and function. The study focuses on understanding the subtle changes in kidney maturation that may lead to chronic kidney disease later in life. By examining these effects during perinatal stages, the research aims to identify early indicators of kidney dysfunction that could be addressed before they result in serious health issues. The approach includes assessing bioenergetic changes and other biological responses to these toxic exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for preventing chronic kidney disease in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the effects of environmental toxins on kidney health can lead to significant advancements in preventive healthcare, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanders, Alison P — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sanders, Alison P
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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.