How Myosin 1e helps kidney filters and podocyte health

Role of myosin 1e in podocyte biology and renal filtration

NIH-funded research Upstate Medical University · NIH-11235873

This project looks at whether boosting the Myosin 1e protein can protect the kidney's filter cells (podocytes) and help people with certain kidney diseases keep their kidney function.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUpstate Medical University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project IDNIH-11235873 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will study how disease-linked MYO1E mutations change Myosin 1e behavior using lab-grown cells and purified protein experiments. They will define how the protein turns itself off (autoinhibition) so they can find ways to turn it back on. In animal models they will test whether activating Myosin 1e shields podocytes from damage and preserves filtration. The work is aimed at linking these lab findings to human kidney disease caused by MYO1E problems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with genetic MYO1E mutations or podocyte-related kidney diseases (such as certain forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) would be the most directly relevant patients.

Not a fit: Patients whose kidney disease is driven mainly by other causes (for example advanced diabetic or vascular kidney disease) may not benefit from therapies targeting Myosin 1e.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that protect podocytes and slow or prevent progression to kidney failure.

How similar studies have performed: Genetic and laboratory studies have linked MYO1E to podocyte disease, but directly activating Myosin 1e as a treatment is largely untested and remains experimental.

Where this research is happening

Syracuse, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.