Gut-Immune-Kidney Axis in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Official title: Gut-Immune-Kidney Axis, Hypertension, and Renal End-Organ Damage
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11432230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the gut and immune system interact to influence high blood pressure and kidney damage, with a focus on both men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $707,903 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187986-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with salt-sensitive hypertension or individuals at risk who may benefit from future microbiome- or immune-targeted interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without salt sensitivity or hypertension, or those not participating in translational analyses, may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project looks at why salt-sensitive hypertension remains poorly controlled for many patients by examining how gut bacteria and their metabolites affect immune responses related to blood pressure and kidney injury. The team will use Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats to explore sex-specific differences and then analyze human samples from people consuming high-salt diets to translate findings. By transferring gut microbiota in animal models, they aim to uncover causal pathways that link the gut to blood pressure regulation and kidney damage. The research considers both biological sex and human relevance to identify potential targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to improve blood pressure control and prevent kidney damage by targeting gut microbes and their metabolites.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in animals and humans suggests gut microbiota can influence blood pressure and kidney outcomes, supporting potential benefit for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abais-Battad, Justine M — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Abais-Battad, Justine M
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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.