How the kidney's tiny blood vessels stay healthy
Novel regulatory mechanisms of the glomerular endothelium
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11227546
Researchers are looking at how a protein made by kidney cells called Pappa2 helps protect the kidney's filtering blood vessels, especially for people with diabetes-related kidney damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11227546 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on signals from a small group of kidney cells (the macula densa) that appear to control the health of the glomerular endothelial cells that form the kidney's filtration barrier. The team is studying a protein called Pappa2 and a signaling molecule CCN1 to see how they influence growth factors like IGF and VEGF that keep the filter working. Researchers will use laboratory models, tissue studies, and molecular experiments to trace how these signals affect blood vessel stability and albumin leakage. The goal is to understand whether modifying these pathways could protect kidneys in diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes who have early signs of diabetic kidney damage—such as elevated urine albumin—would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: People without kidney involvement from diabetes or those with end-stage kidney failure on dialysis are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect kidney blood vessels and reduce protein loss in the urine for people with diabetic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that VEGF and IGF affect glomerular cells, but targeting macula densa–derived Pappa2 and CCN1 is a novel approach not yet tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PETI-PETERDI, JANOS — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: PETI-PETERDI, JANOS
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus