How Etv4 and Etv5 help kidney progenitor cells renew and form nephrons
Role of Etv4 and Etv5 in the self-renewal and differentiation of nephron progenitors
This research looks at whether two genes, Etv4 and Etv5, help developing kidney stem cells stay healthy and become working nephrons.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11345679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse models where Etv4 and Etv5 are turned off in nephron progenitor cells to observe how kidneys develop without these genes. They analyze embryonic kidneys with RNA sequencing and molecular assays to identify downstream targets like Wnt4 and map signaling changes. The team will test how Etv4/5 interact with FGF and Wnt signaling to balance progenitor self-renewal versus differentiation during nephrogenesis. The findings aim to clarify causes of abnormal kidney development and point to molecular targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people; it is preclinical laboratory research using mouse models and tissue analyses, so patients are not being recruited.
Not a fit: People with established adult kidney disease or unrelated kidney conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early developmental research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets to help prevent or treat congenital kidney malformations and guide future regenerative approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work has linked Wnt signaling to nephron formation, but the specific regulatory role of Etv4/5 is a newer area being explored here.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cebrian Ligero, Cristina — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cebrian Ligero, Cristina
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.