How ALMS1 and ACTN4 control kidney salt handling and blood pressure
Regulation of NKCC2 and renal NaCl transport by protein-protein interactions
This work looks at how two kidney proteins, ALMS1 and ACTN4, change salt reabsorption and blood pressure in people with salt‑sensitive hypertension or Alström syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251194 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are tracing how the NKCC2 transporter on kidney cells is moved to and from the cell surface to control salt absorption. They used targeted protein screens to find that ALMS1 and ACTN4 bind NKCC2 and may form a complex that changes transporter levels. The team studies molecular interactions in cells and uses animal models (including ALMS1 knockout rats) to see how these proteins change NKCC2 surface levels and blood pressure. Findings about genetic links and protein behavior could point to ways to reduce excess salt reabsorption in affected people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with salt‑sensitive high blood pressure, reduced kidney function related to increased renal salt reabsorption, or diagnosed Alström syndrome are the most relevant candidates for related clinical follow‑up or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without hypertension, without kidney disease, or whose blood pressure problems are unrelated to renal salt handling are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for treatments that lower kidney salt reabsorption and improve blood pressure control in people with salt‑sensitive hypertension or Alström syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and molecular studies have linked ALMS1 and ACTN4 to NKCC2 surface levels and blood pressure, but translating these findings into human therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortiz, Pablo a. — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Ortiz, Pablo a.
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 below.