How kidney filter cells communicate and cause damage
Glomerular Cell-Cell Crosstalk and Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11246834
This research looks at how cells in the kidney’s filtering unit talk to each other and lead to scarring and protein loss in adults with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11246834 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use laboratory models of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and diabetic kidney disease to trace signals between podocytes (filter cells) and nearby glomerular endothelial cells. They study how stress in podocytes triggers TGFβ and endothelin-1 signaling that causes mitochondrial stress in endothelial cells and leads those cells to release factors that damage podocytes. The team isolates glomerular endothelial cells and performs gene-expression (transcriptomic) analyses to identify the toxic molecules involved. Their goal is to map the chain of events in this cell-to-cell injury pathway so new treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with proteinuric glomerular diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or diabetic kidney disease are the patient groups most aligned with this research.
Not a fit: People with non-glomerular kidney problems, children, or those without proteinuria are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent cell-to-cell damage in the kidney, reduce proteinuria, and slow progression of glomerular kidney diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies and early clinical work support roles for TGFβ and endothelin signaling in proteinuric kidney disease and have shown promise, but the specific endothelial-derived toxic factors remain to be defined.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAEHN, ILSE SOFIA — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: DAEHN, ILSE SOFIA
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.