Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
Official title: Manipulating the matrix to improve arteriovenous fistula patency
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11369681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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 start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $760,606 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL144476-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with chronic kidney disease who may need an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not requiring AV fistula access or not undergoing dialysis would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model to understand how vein remodeling happens when a vein is connected to an artery for dialysis. It looks at the role of TGF-β signaling and how specific pathways affect wall thickening, collagen, and smooth muscle cell growth to improve AVF patency. The goal is to identify targets that can be modulated to make AV fistulas more reliable for people who need regular dialysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to therapies that improve AV fistula maturation and patency, reducing interventions for dialysis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animal models have shown TGF-β signaling affects venous remodeling and AVF patency, with ongoing work translating these findings to potential therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dardik, Alan — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Dardik, Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
-
Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
-
How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
-
Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
-
AI tool to screen AV fistula stenosis using stethoscope sounds in dialysis patients
A new AI tool uses sound recordings from a digital stethoscope to screen for narrowing in dialysis fistulas, helping clinicians catch problems earlier.
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.