NIH-funded research Career grant

Investigating how a specific protein affects kidney damage from obesity

Official title: Role of Atp6ap2 in renal proximal tubule lipotoxicity

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11012906 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called ATP6AP2 affects kidney cells and their damage from obesity, hoping to find new ways to help people with kidney problems related to being overweight.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$165,240
NIH project number5K08DK132463-03
Project IDNIH-11012906 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from obesity-related chronic kidney disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with kidney disease not related to obesity may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called ATP6AP2 in kidney cells, particularly how it contributes to kidney damage caused by obesity. The study examines how toxic lipids accumulate in kidney cells and how this process is influenced by obesity-related factors. By using animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes and identify potential new treatment strategies for obesity-related kidney disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that better protect the kidneys from damage caused by obesity.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding kidney damage mechanisms related to obesity, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Culver, Silas a — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Culver, Silas a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.