Investigating how AMP-kinase affects kidney disease transitions
Official title: Role of AMP-kinase pathway in the regulation of Minimal change disease-to-FSGS transition
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10978223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the kidneys affect the health of important cells called podocytes, which can help us understand why some people with nephrotic syndrome go from having a mild form of the disease to a more serious one, and it involves both human samples and mice to find ways to keep these cells healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $497,321 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132274-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children under one year of age who are diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced kidney disease or those who do not have nephrotic syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind nephrotic syndrome, particularly the transition from Minimal Change Disease (MCD) to Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). It examines the role of AMP-kinase and Fyn kinase in podocyte health, which are crucial cells in the kidneys. By studying these pathways, the research aims to identify signals that help maintain podocyte survival and prevent disease progression. The approach includes both human samples and mouse models to explore these cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the progression of kidney diseases in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding similar pathways in kidney diseases, suggesting potential for success in this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menon, Madhav C — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Menon, Madhav C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the AMPK energy-sensor affects whether minimal change disease becomes FSGS
This work looks at how a cell energy sensor called AMPK helps protect kidney filter cells and whether that keeps people with minimal change disease from progressing to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
-
Testing ManNAc for treating kidney disease FSGS
This study is testing if a new oral treatment called ManNAc can help adults with kidney disease FSGS by reducing protein levels in their urine and checking how safe it is over 12 weeks.
-
Evaluating WAL0921 for kidney diseases
This study is testing a new drug called WAL0921 to see if it can help people with different types of kidney diseases feel better.
-
Observational study on kidney transplant recurrence in FSGS and MCD
This study is looking at patients with kidney diseases called FSGS and MCD who have had or will have a kidney transplant to see how often these diseases come back afterward.
-
Vagus nerve stimulation for treating nephrotic syndrome in children
This study is testing whether a new treatment using vagus nerve stimulation can help children aged 3 to 17 with nephrotic syndrome feel better and reduce their symptoms.
-
Using vagus nerve stimulation to treat nephrotic syndrome in children
This study is testing if a new type of nerve stimulation can help children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome feel better over 26 weeks.
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.