How the kidney protein SGK controls salt and potassium balance
SGK Regulation of Epithelial Sodium Transport
Researchers are looking at how a kidney signaling pathway (mTORC2‑SGK1‑ENaC) controls sodium and potassium levels in ways that affect blood pressure and electrolyte balance in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295486 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models and laboratory experiments to learn how kidney cells respond when potassium levels rise. Scientists give mice an oral potassium load, measure blood and urine electrolytes, and examine kidney tissue for changes in sodium and potassium transporters and signaling. They also use high‑resolution cryo‑EM to visualize structural features of the mTORC2 complex that affect its activity. Together the animal, biochemical, and structural work aims to link molecular mechanisms to how kidneys regulate blood pressure and potassium in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with hypertension or known problems managing potassium levels (hyperkalemia or hypokalemia) would be the group most likely to benefit from advances coming from this research.
Not a fit: Because this is primarily laboratory and animal research, people seeking immediate treatment changes, children, or those with unrelated conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to prevent or treat high blood pressure and dangerous potassium imbalances.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have shown that SGK1 and mTOR pathways influence ENaC and blood pressure, but this project adds novel in‑vivo timing data and structural analysis that are less explored.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearce, David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Pearce, David
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.