How the kidney controls salt balance and blood pressure via thiazide-sensitive transport
WNK Kinase Regulation of Thiazide-sensitive NaCl Transport
This project looks at how kidney proteins called WNK kinases control salt and potassium balance, which matters for people with high blood pressure or who stop responding to thiazide diuretics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the researchers are examining kidney cells in the distal convoluted tubule to see how WNK kinases switch on the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride transporter. They will map how newly discovered regulatory proteins join WNK signaling condensates and measure whether local chloride levels in cells influence kinase activity. The team will also test whether common hormone receptors (G-protein-coupled receptors) trigger WNK activation in ways that change blood pressure and potassium handling. Work uses cellular and animal models with an eye toward connections to human hypertension and diuretic resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with hypertension, those with low-potassium–related blood pressure issues, or people taking thiazide diuretics who want to donate samples or join future trials would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose blood pressure is caused by non-kidney issues or who cannot travel to the study site are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat high blood pressure and diuretic resistance by targeting WNK signaling in the kidney.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research established WNK kinases as key controllers of salt transport and informed thiazide use, but targeting WNK condensates and GPCR-triggered activation is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellison, David Hoadley — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Ellison, David Hoadley
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.