How kidney cell damage relates to aging
Official title: The Intersection of Podocyte Disease and Aging
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11081020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damage to special kidney cells called podocytes can lead to kidney problems as we get older, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent or treat kidney disease in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $694,632 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079935-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over 65 years of age, who are at risk for or suffering from chronic kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 years old or those without any kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how damage to specific kidney cells, known as podocytes, contributes to kidney disease as people age. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind podocyte injury and how this injury may accelerate aging in the kidneys. By studying both animal models and young patients with kidney conditions, the research aims to uncover new insights into the relationship between kidney health and aging. The ultimate goal is to identify new ways to prevent or treat kidney disease in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve kidney health and quality of life for older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding kidney cell damage and aging, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shankland, Stuart James — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Shankland, Stuart James
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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.