How the protein KIBRA affects kidney filter cells and could be targeted to protect the kidneys
KIBRA-induced biomechanical changes and therapeutic targeting in podocytes
Researchers are developing ways to block KIBRA-driven signals to keep the kidney's filter cells healthy in people with glomerular diseases like FSGS and diabetic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11385309 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that the team is focused on podocytes, the kidney cells that prevent protein from leaking into the urine, and how KIBRA (WWC1) changes their structure and strength. They will study what controls KIBRA levels (including microRNA-200 and transcription factors like SOX4) and examine both the classic Hippo pathway (LATS/YAP) and a newly suspected direct effect on TEAD proteins. The work uses lab-grown podocytes, animal models, and analysis of human kidney biopsy material to track molecular changes. The researchers will also try drugs or genetic tools that block LATS or TEAD to see if those approaches protect podocytes in their models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glomerular diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or diabetic kidney disease, especially those with proteinuria or undergoing a kidney biopsy, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney problems are not caused by podocyte/glomerular injury (for example primarily vascular or tubular disease) or those already on dialysis are unlikely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that preserve podocytes, reduce proteinuria, and slow progression of glomerular kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked KIBRA and Hippo signaling to podocyte damage, but directly targeting LATS and TEAD in kidney disease is a relatively new approach with limited prior clinical evidence.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meliambro, Kristin — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Meliambro, Kristin
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.