Imaging kidney blood vessels to better understand chronic kidney disease
Official title: Renal Microvessel Imaging for Characterization of Chronic Kidney Disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11023055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound technology that helps doctors see and measure blood flow in the small blood vessels of the kidneys, which could help them better understand and manage chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,882 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129205-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or those at risk for developing CKD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute kidney injury or those who do not have chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technology called super-resolution ultrasound imaging (SRUI) to visualize and measure the blood flow in the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys. By accurately characterizing the renal microvessels, the study aims to provide a noninvasive tool for staging chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is crucial for effective management. The research will involve technical development, animal validations, and clinical studies with healthy volunteers to establish normal parameters. Ultimately, this approach seeks to enhance the understanding of kidney health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for kidney assessment, but this specific approach using SRUI is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shigao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shigao
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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.