Genetic causes of diabetic kidney disease

Genetic risk and molecular characterization of Diabetic Kidney Disease

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11295460

This research looks at how genetic differences, especially in the Xor gene, change kidney damage risk in people with diabetes so new treatments can be developed.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11295460 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers compare mouse strains that are prone or resistant to diabetic kidney damage to find the genes that make a difference. They map genetic regions linked to loss of podocytes, the kidney cells that help filter blood, and identified the Xor gene as a key source of damaging oxidative stress. The team tests whether blocking Xor or editing the gene with CRISPR reduces protein in the urine (albuminuria) and protects kidney cells. If findings hold up, the work could guide later studies that include human samples or patients to see who might benefit from Xor-targeted approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with diabetes who have early signs of kidney damage, such as albumin in the urine, or who are at high risk for diabetic kidney disease would be most relevant to future clinical work from this project.

Not a fit: People without diabetes or with kidney disease from other causes, and patients whose kidney damage is not driven by Xor-related pathways, are less likely to benefit from these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could identify a genetic target (Xor) that, if blocked, might prevent or reduce kidney damage in people with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Similar mouse studies showed that inhibiting Xor reduced albuminuria and protected podocytes, but translation to human treatments has not yet been established.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 Cardiovascular 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.