NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how Ubiquitin D variants affect kidney injury related to APOL1 in HIV patients

Official title: Effect of Ubiquitin D variants upon APOL1-mediated kidney injury

Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11009324 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in a protein called Ubiquitin D might affect kidney health in people with HIV, especially in African Americans, to help find new ways to prevent or treat kidney problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbert Einstein College of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bronx, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$252,000
NIH project number1R21DK138863-01A1
Project IDNIH-11009324 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of African ancestry living with HIV, especially those with high-risk APOL1 genotypes.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have HIV or those without APOL1 high-risk genotypes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of Ubiquitin D (UBD) variants in kidney injury caused by the APOL1 gene in individuals with HIV. It aims to explore how certain genetic factors, particularly in African American populations, contribute to the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among those living with HIV. The study will analyze the interactions between UBD and APOL1, as well as other potential triggers that may lead to kidney damage. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to identify new pathways that could be targeted for treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for kidney disease in individuals with HIV, particularly among those of African ancestry.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors contributing to kidney disease in similar populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine
    Bronx, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ross, Michael J — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Ross, Michael J

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.