How inflammatory signals make chronic kidney disease worse
Role of M1 Cytokines in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Researchers are looking at whether proteins in kidney tubule cells help stop inflammation (TNF and IL-1β) from making chronic kidney disease worse, using animal models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses genetically modified mice that lack a protective protein (A20) in kidney tubule cells to see if that loss increases local inflammation and scarring. Investigators compare these mice with normal controls and expose them to types of kidney injury that mimic chronic tubular damage. They will measure inflammatory signals (TNF, IL-1β), Wnt-related signaling driven by PORCN, and the degree of kidney fibrosis and dysfunction. The goal is to learn whether boosting A20 or blocking PORCN-related pathways could eventually protect human kidneys from progressive damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic kidney disease—especially those with tubular injury or progressive scarring (tubulointerstitial fibrosis)—would be the most likely candidates for future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: People without CKD or whose kidney disease is driven mainly by other processes (for example primary glomerular diseases not driven by tubular inflammation) may not benefit from findings here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce kidney inflammation and scarring and eventually slow or prevent progression of chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including work showing A20 reduces TNF and PORCN-mediated Wnt secretion increases fibrosis, support the biological idea, but clinical benefits in people remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Durham VA Medical Center — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crowley, Steven D — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Crowley, Steven D
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.