Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
Official title: Molecular control of vascular smooth muscle reprogramming in arteriovenous fistula maturation
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11377673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $684,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135284-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with CKD requiring AVF creation who could benefit from improved maturation and reduced failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not progressing toward AVF maturation or those not undergoing fistula-related procedures may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
In patients with kidney disease, arteriovenous fistulas are the best long-term access for hemodialysis, but many fail to mature. The project looks at how vascular smooth muscle cells reprogram and respond to arterial forces to promote outward remodeling of the vein. Using mouse models and human samples, it examines the role of gene activity and chromatin accessibility in this process, focusing on factors like ATAC-seq–identified regions and ATF-3. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to therapies that boost early AVF maturation and reduce failure rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches that improve AVF maturation and longevity for dialysis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work in animal models and human samples suggests vein smooth muscle cell reprogramming is important for AVF remodeling, supporting potential success.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Xiaochun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Long, Xiaochun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
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Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
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Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
-
AI tool to screen AV fistula stenosis using stethoscope sounds in dialysis patients
A new AI tool uses sound recordings from a digital stethoscope to screen for narrowing in dialysis fistulas, helping clinicians catch problems earlier.
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.