How kidney intercalated cells capture and clear bacteria
A mechanistic approach to intercalated cell phagocytosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11164837
This project looks at whether specialized kidney cells called intercalated cells capture and destroy bacteria to help prevent urinary tract and kidney infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164837 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how intercalated cells in the kidney detect, engulf, and kill bacteria that can cause urinary tract and kidney infections. They use mouse models that lack these cells and human kidney cells or tissue exposed to uropathogenic E. coli to see how the cells respond. The team will apply single-cell RNA sequencing, pathway analyses, imaging, and functional assays of phagocytosis and phagosome maturation to map the signaling steps. Understanding these steps could point to ways to strengthen the kidney's natural defenses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis, and patients who can donate kidney tissue during surgery, would be the most relevant candidates to participate or contribute samples.
Not a fit: Those looking for immediate clinical treatments or people with kidney problems unrelated to bacterial infection may not get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to boost the kidney's innate defenses and reduce serious kidney infections like pyelonephritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown intercalated cells produce antimicrobial peptides and respond to bacteria, and early data support a role for phagocytosis, but using these findings to create new therapies is still novel.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHWADERER, ANDREW LAWRENCE — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: SCHWADERER, ANDREW LAWRENCE
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections