Investigating how podocytes and endothelial cells interact to treat kidney disease
Official title: Targeting Podocyte-Endothelial Cell Crosstalk as a FSGS Therapy
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11091457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain kidney cells interact in people with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) to better understand the disease and find new ways to help improve treatment and outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $730,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135716-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis who are at risk of progressing to chronic kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with kidney diseases other than focal segmental glomerulosclerosis may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease. By exploring the signaling networks between these cell types, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. The researchers will utilize advanced computational methods to identify key factors involved in cell communication and injury. This approach may lead to new therapeutic strategies that target these interactions to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease in patients with FSGS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell interactions in kidney diseases, but this specific approach targeting podocyte-endothelial cell crosstalk is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shankland, Stuart James — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Shankland, Stuart James
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.