Investigating calcium balance and bone health in rats that form kidney stones
Official title: Hypercalciuria and Abnormal Bone in the Genetic Hypercalciuric Stone-Forming Rats
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11058491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how too much calcium in urine affects bone health and kidney stones in special rats that are prone to these issues, with the hope of finding better treatments for people who struggle with kidney stones and want to keep their bones strong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,872 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136992-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience recurrent calcium-containing kidney stones and have been diagnosed with hypercalciuria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of kidney stones or those with different types of kidney stone formation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how excessive calcium in urine affects bone health in a specific strain of rats that are prone to forming kidney stones. By studying these Genetic Hypercalciuric Stone-forming (GHS) rats, researchers aim to uncover the relationship between calcium absorption, bone density, and the formation of kidney stones. The study utilizes advanced animal models to simulate conditions that are difficult to replicate in humans, allowing for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to identify potential treatments that can reduce kidney stone recurrence while also improving bone health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing kidney stones and enhancing bone health in patients with hypercalciuria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding calcium metabolism and bone health in animal models, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Qiaoli — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Li, Qiaoli
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.