Investigating how autophagy affects the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis.
Official title: Autophagy and Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10831413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) don’t develop as they should for people on hemodialysis, and it aims to find ways to help them mature better by understanding how certain cellular processes work, especially for those with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $527,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL153244-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing hemodialysis who are at risk of arteriovenous fistula maturation failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or have alternative vascular access methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), which are crucial for hemodialysis patients, often fail to mature properly. The study aims to explore the role of autophagy, a cellular process, in the maturation of AVFs, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. By examining the effects of disturbed blood flow and the cellular mechanisms involved, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies to enhance AVF maturation and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved techniques for ensuring that arteriovenous fistulas mature effectively, thereby enhancing the quality of life for hemodialysis patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating autophagy in AVF maturation is novel, related studies have shown promise in understanding vascular access dysfunction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Timmy C — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lee, Timmy C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
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Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
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How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
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Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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.