How salt affects lymphatic vessels and immune cells in kidney disease
Official title: Salt Mediated Cross Talk Between Lymphatic Vessels and Immune Cells in Kidney Disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11113805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how salt affects the way immune cells and lymphatic vessels work together in the kidneys, which could help us understand kidney disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | June 2, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $733,828 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135764-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with proteinuric kidney disease or hypertension who may be affected by altered lymphatic function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-proteinuric kidney diseases or those without hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of salt in the interaction between lymphatic vessels and immune cells, particularly in the context of kidney disease. It focuses on how elevated sodium levels can influence immune responses and lymphatic function, which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and clearing antigens. The study employs a combination of animal models and human samples to explore the mechanisms by which sodium affects immune cell activity and lymphatic transport in the kidneys. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to uncover new insights into kidney disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing kidney disease by targeting lymphatic and immune cell interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on salt's role in lymphatic-immune interactions in kidney disease is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding lymphatic function and immune responses in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kon, Valentina — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kon, Valentina
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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.