Investigating a new approach to diagnose and treat kidney injury during heart surgery

Nucleophosmin Centered Diagnostics and Treatment of Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury

NIH-funded research Boston Medical Center · NIH-11121807

This study is looking at how a protein called NPM1 affects kidney damage during heart surgery, with the goal of finding new treatments to help protect patients at risk of kidney injury.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11121807 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a protein called NPM1 contributes to kidney injury during ischemic events, particularly in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. By exploring the interactions between NPM1 and another protein, Bax, the team aims to develop new drugs that can prevent kidney cell death. The study employs advanced techniques such as x-ray crystallography and medicinal chemistry to design and test potential therapies. Patients at high risk for acute kidney injury will be the primary focus, as the findings could lead to significant improvements in their care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who are at high risk for acute kidney injury.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease or those not undergoing cardiac surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for kidney protection, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions acute kidney injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.