How kidney tubules form and stick together during development
Novel Role of Nephron Epithelialization in Nuclear Signaling
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11358400
This project seeks to learn how developing kidney cells build and connect tiny tubules to help children born with kidney and urinary tract birth defects.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11358400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how nephron epithelial cells make stable cell-to-cell contacts that form the tiny tubes needed for kidney function. The team focuses on proteins in the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway (like Daam1) and exocyst-related factors (like Dnmbp/Tuba) that organize actin and cadherin at junctions. They will use laboratory models, molecular tools, and relevant tissue or genetic samples to see how disruptions lead to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The goal is to reveal molecular causes that could guide future diagnostics or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants, children, and families affected by congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) or those who can donate clinical samples or genetic information for research.
Not a fit: People with unrelated adult-onset kidney diseases, such as diabetic kidney disease, or those without CAKUT are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular causes of CAKUT and point to new ways to diagnose or eventually treat congenital kidney defects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked Daam1 and exocyst components to tubule formation, so this project builds on existing mechanistic findings though clinical translation remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILLER, RACHEL KATHERINE — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: MILLER, RACHEL KATHERINE
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.