Investigating kidney disease risk linked to specific genetic variants in African Americans
Official title: Human iPSC-derived Podocytes to Study APOL1 High-Risk Variants
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10906647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific changes in a gene called APOL1 might lead to kidney problems, especially in African Americans, by using special lab-grown cells to see how these changes affect important kidney cells, which could help find new ways to treat kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,108 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK135368-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of African descent, particularly those with a family history of kidney disease or who carry the APOL1 high-risk variants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the APOL1 high-risk variants or those with kidney disease due to other causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain genetic variants in the APOL1 gene contribute to kidney disease, particularly in the African American population. By using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that have been genetically modified to carry these variants, researchers aim to study the mechanisms that lead to kidney damage. The project will explore how these genetic factors affect podocytes, the cells crucial for kidney filtration, and how their depletion impacts kidney function. This work could provide insights into potential new treatments for chronic kidney disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new treatments for chronic kidney disease, particularly for those at higher genetic risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic factors in kidney disease can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haines, Lauren Elizabeth — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Haines, Lauren Elizabeth
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.