Finding new ways to block a kidney channel for water balance

Structure-based strategy for developing inhibitors of the kidney chloride channel CLC-Ka

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11141133

This research aims to create new medicines that target a specific kidney channel to help people with too much water in their bodies, a condition called hyponatremia.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141133 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our kidneys have special channels, called CLC-Ka, that are crucial for managing water and salt. When these channels don't work correctly, it can lead to conditions like hyponatremia, where the body holds onto too much water. This project uses new discoveries, including a promising compound called BIM1 and advanced imaging techniques, to design better medications. We want to understand exactly how these new compounds interact with the kidney channel to develop more effective and targeted treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help those who experience pathologic water retention or hyponatremia due to various health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to kidney water retention or hyponatremia would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications for patients suffering from hyponatremia, a condition often linked to heart failure, high blood pressure, or liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent breakthroughs in identifying selective compounds and advanced imaging, suggesting a novel approach to a known challenge.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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 Bone Diseases
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.