Mitochondrial DNA and worsening kidney function
The quality and quantity of mitochondrial DNA in chronic kidney disease progression
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11327399
This project looks at whether changes in mitochondrial DNA levels and mutations help predict worsening kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect blood samples from people with chronic kidney disease over time to measure mitochondrial DNA copy number and detect mutations (heteroplasmy). They will sequence the entire mitochondrial genome and take repeated measurements to track how mtDNA quality and quantity change as kidney function changes. The team will link these mtDNA measures to clinical tests like eGFR and albuminuria to see if mtDNA changes come before or go along with declines in kidney function. They will also study factors that might cause mtDNA changes and explore biological pathways that could be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic kidney disease who are being followed over time for kidney function and can provide blood samples would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without chronic kidney disease or those already on long-term dialysis (end-stage kidney disease) are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify blood markers that signal faster kidney decline and point to new targets for therapies to slow CKD progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies, including the team's published work, found links between lower mtDNA copy number or heteroplasmy and CKD progression, but repeated longitudinal mtDNA measures and whole-mitochondrial-genome sequencing in CKD are new.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, CHANGWEI — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: LI, CHANGWEI
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.
Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases