How kidney glucose transporters affect early diabetic kidney changes

Significance of Tubuloglomerular Feedback in SGLT1 and SGLT2 Inhibition in Diabetic Kidney Disease

NIH-funded research Boston Medical Center · NIH-11307108

This project looks at how two kidney glucose transporters (SGLT1 and SGLT2) change kidney filtering in people with diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11307108 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From my point of view as someone with diabetes, the team is studying how the kidney senses glucose and salt and how that changes the signaling that controls filtration. They focus on two pathways: one involving SGLT2 and sodium handling, and a newer one where SGLT1 at the macula densa boosts nitric oxide and blunts the feedback that normally reduces filtration. The researchers combine lab models and data tied to diabetic kidney disease to map these pathways and how SGLT2-blocking drugs affect them. Their work aims to explain why early high filtration happens in diabetes and how it might be prevented to protect the kidneys later on.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, particularly those with early signs of kidney stress or high filtration, are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People without diabetes or those with end-stage kidney disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors use SGLT2 drugs better and point to new targets to prevent or slow diabetic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Large clinical trials have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors protect the kidney, but the SGLT1-NOS1 pathway is a newer mechanism that is less tested.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Diabetes MellitusDiabetic Kidney Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.