Identifying biomarkers to improve kidney transplant outcomes in children and young adults
Official title: Clinical and Molecular Biomarkers of Endpoints in Pediatric Renal Transplantation
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10911231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help kids and young adults who have had kidney transplants live longer and healthier by finding special signs that can predict how well their transplant will work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $285,120 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK126807-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric and young adult patients undergoing kidney transplantation or those who have received a transplant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing kidney transplantation or are outside the pediatric and young adult age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the survival rates of kidney transplants in pediatric and young adult patients by identifying clinical and molecular biomarkers that can predict transplant outcomes. The study aims to develop better diagnostic tools that are specifically tailored for younger patients, addressing the unique challenges they face. By integrating clinical features with traditional histology and molecular biomarkers, the research seeks to enhance early detection of kidney transplant injuries, potentially leading to more effective interventions. The ultimate goal is to increase the longevity and quality of life for young individuals with end-stage renal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the long-term success of kidney transplants in children and young adults, enhancing their life expectancy and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in adult populations have shown success in using molecular biomarkers for kidney transplant outcomes, but this approach is novel for pediatric patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seifert, Michael Edward — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Seifert, Michael Edward
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Choosing Immune Suppression in Kidney Transplantation for Better Long-Term Graft Health
A patient-friendly look at a study aimed at optimizing immune-suppressing medicines after kidney transplant to improve graft survival and reduce complications.
-
Understanding how antibodies are produced after kidney transplants
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the body create antibodies that can cause kidney transplants to be rejected, especially after the kidneys have been stored in cold conditions, and it aims to find ways to help improve transplant success for patients.
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Pilates exercises to improve balance, fatigue, and quality of life after kidney transplant
This study tests whether adding Pilates to standard physical therapy helps people aged 20–50 after a kidney transplant feel steadier, less fatigued, and have a better quality of life.
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Transversalis fascia plane block to reduce pain after kidney transplant
See if a transversalis fascia plane block can reduce pain and opioid use after kidney transplant for adults aged 18–65 with ASA III.
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Preoperative sensory modulation room to reduce pain, anxiety, and improve sleep for living kidney donors and recipients
The team will try a short preoperative session in a sensory modulation room to see if it lowers postoperative pain, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep for adult living kidney donors and transplant recipients.
-
Emotion-focused therapy to improve emotion regulation and well-being after kidney transplant
This project will try an emotion-focused therapy to see if it helps adults who have had a kidney transplant manage their emotions and feel better.
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.