How S‑nitrosylation helps kidneys recover after sudden injury
Novel Regulation of Renal Function by S-Nitrosylation
Researchers are exploring whether boosting a natural chemical signal called S‑nitrosylation can help people regain kidney function after sudden (acute) kidney injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238885 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at proteins called SCAN and SCoR that add and remove S‑nitrosylation marks, which change how kidney cells respond after injury. In lab and mouse models the team found that altering SCoR increases beneficial S‑nitrosylation of a metabolic enzyme (PKM2) and improves repair by lowering oxidative stress and supporting cell metabolism. The researchers will use molecular experiments, cell studies, and animal models to map these pathways and test whether promoting S‑nitrosylation reduces scarring and preserves nephron function. The long‑term aim is to identify targets that could become treatments to help kidneys heal after acute injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who recently experienced acute kidney injury (for example during hospitalization or in the ICU) or those at high risk of AKI would be the most relevant candidates for future related trials.
Not a fit: People without recent acute kidney injury or those whose kidney problems come from unrelated genetic or chronic conditions may not benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that help kidneys heal after acute injury and reduce the chance of long‑term kidney failure.
How similar studies have performed: Nitric oxide signaling has supported repair in other tissues, but applying targeted S‑nitrosylation control to kidney repair is a novel approach with limited prior human data.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stamler, Jonathan S. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Stamler, Jonathan S.
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.