Ion channels in kidney blood vessels that help sense pressure and protect the kidney
Degenerin and TrpC6 channels in renal vascular mechanosesnsor signaling and protection against injury.
This project looks at specific ion channels in kidney blood vessels to determine whether they help protect people with high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease from pressure-related kidney damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321205 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will examine how certain ion channels (members of the ENaC/degenerin family and TrpC6) let kidney blood vessel muscle cells detect increases in pressure and trigger protective constriction. They will use laboratory methods including expressing these channels in Xenopus oocytes and testing vessel responses in isolated arterioles and animal models to identify which channels are required. The researchers will also study whether loss or dysfunction of these channels increases vulnerability to pressure-related vascular and kidney injury. Findings are intended to clarify mechanisms that could guide future protections for fragile kidney microvessels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hypertension or chronic kidney disease would be the most likely future candidates to benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Individuals without kidney disease or blood-pressure-related vascular problems are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic mechanistic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets to prevent pressure-related injury in kidneys and help slow progression of chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown roles for some ENaC/degenerin channels in renal pressure sensing and for TrpC6 in vascular mechanosignaling, but applying these findings to kidney protection is still an emerging and active area of research.
Where this research is happening
Jackson, United States
- University of Mississippi Med Ctr — Jackson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drummond, Heather a — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Drummond, Heather a
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 below.