High-resolution map of the adult human kidney

Kidney single cell and spatial molecular atlas project - KIDSSMAP

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11126777

This project creates detailed cell-and-tissue maps of adult human kidneys to help doctors and researchers better understand kidney health and disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11126777 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I take part, my kidney tissue would be carefully collected (for example during surgery, biopsy, or transplant) and processed so many different tests can be done on the same sample. Researchers will use single-cell sequencing and spatial mapping methods to identify which cell types are where and how they function together in different regions of the kidney. The team will combine data from multiple technologies and from diverse adult donors to build an integrated, high-resolution atlas of the human kidney. That atlas will be shared with scientists to help guide future studies and potential new treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who can provide kidney tissue (for example from surgery, biopsy, or transplant) and are willing to consent to research use of de-identified samples are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children under 21, people who cannot or will not provide tissue or consent, and anyone expecting direct, immediate medical benefit from participation are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this atlas could reveal how kidney cells change in disease and speed development of better diagnostics and treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell and spatial atlases for other organs and early kidney projects have produced useful maps, but a fully integrated, multi-technology human kidney atlas at this scale is a newer effort.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.
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.