Investigating a protein fragment's role in diabetes and kidney disease
Official title: Role of proteolytic suPAR fragment in insulin dependent diabetes and kidney disease
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11167555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain piece of a protein might harm the kidneys and pancreas in people with diabetes, and by doing so, it hopes to find new ways to help treat kidney disease and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133364-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are at risk for chronic kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein fragment, known as the D2D3 fragment of the soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR), contributes to kidney and pancreatic damage in individuals with diabetes. The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which this fragment causes injury to kidney cells and insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. By analyzing blood samples and conducting laboratory experiments, researchers hope to uncover the pathways involved in this dual organ injury, which could lead to new treatment strategies for chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting biomarkers like suPAR can lead to significant insights in kidney disease, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sever, Sanja — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Sever, Sanja
Related research
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PFAS exposure and kidney disease risk in teens with type 2 diabetes
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This study looks for tiny clues in urine and blood that predict kidney trouble early in people with type 1 diabetes.
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Unrecognized Primary Aldosteronism and Kidney Disease in Diabetes
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Rapid, multi-drug initiation for people with CKD and type 2 diabetes
A small study will try starting several key diabetes and kidney medicines at the same time in adults with CKD and type 2 diabetes to see if this fast plan is safe and helpful.
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Role of a suPAR fragment in diabetes and kidney disease
A medical research project is testing whether a specific protein fragment in the blood harms both the pancreas and kidneys, which could lead to future therapies for adults with diabetes and kidney disease.
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.