How mitochondrial microRNAs affect the kidney's ability to repair after renal artery narrowing
Role of mitochondrial microRNAs (mitomiRs) in endogenous renal repair
Looking at whether tiny RNAs inside cell mitochondria change how kidneys heal after renal artery narrowing, a common cause of high blood pressure and kidney loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238867 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are trying to find out why kidneys lose their natural repair ability after renal artery stenosis by studying small RNAs (mitomiRs) that enter mitochondria of repair cells called scattered tubular-like cells (STCs). Using laboratory experiments and a pig model, they will compare mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression, and levels of specific mitomiRs such as miR-181c in healthy versus diseased kidneys. The team will alter mitomiR levels in STCs in the lab to see if restoring normal mitomiR balance improves mitochondrial function and the cells' ability to regenerate tubular cells. Findings may point toward ways to protect or revive the kidney's own repair cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with renal artery stenosis or ischemic kidney disease—often older adults with hypertension and reduced kidney function—would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney disease is driven by non-ischemic causes (for example primary genetic disorders or autoimmune glomerulonephritis) may be less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that boost the kidney's own repair process after artery narrowing and help prevent progression to kidney failure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal work shows mitomiRs can change mitochondrial function, but using this approach specifically to restore kidney repair after renal artery narrowing is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eirin, Alfonso — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Eirin, Alfonso
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.