Investigating how kidney cells mature and change in engineered kidney models
Official title: Understanding Kidney Endothelial Maturity and Mesenchymal Transition in Vascularized Human Kidney Organoids
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11087459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the kidneys change when they get hurt by medications, using special 3D models to mimic real kidney behavior, which could help us find better ways to treat kidney injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2024 |
| Project end | April 3, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,818 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DK137453-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of acute kidney injury, particularly those exposed to nephrotoxic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic kidney disease or those not exposed to nephrotoxic drugs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how kidney endothelial cells transition into a different cell type during acute kidney injury, particularly due to nephrotoxic drugs. By creating advanced 3D kidney organoids that include endothelial cells, the study aims to replicate the complex interactions that occur in real kidneys. The researchers will use various techniques, such as electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, to observe and analyze these changes in cell behavior and structure. This approach could provide insights into kidney damage and recovery processes, potentially leading to better treatments for kidney injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from acute kidney injury.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using organoid models to study kidney diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maggiore, Joseph Cole — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Maggiore, Joseph Cole
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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.