More accurate lupus kidney diagnosis using new imaging biomarkers
Official title: Improving the Accuracy of Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis using Biomarkers Derived from Ultraviolet and Mid-infrared Spectroscopic Imaging
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11237166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses two advanced imaging methods plus AI to help doctors read kidney biopsies more accurately for people with lupus nephritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $638,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135870-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with lupus nephritis who are having a kidney biopsy or who can provide existing kidney biopsy tissue for research would be the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without lupus kidney involvement or those who cannot provide biopsy tissue would not directly benefit from this diagnostic-focused work.
What this research studies
Current kidney biopsy readings for lupus nephritis can vary between pathologists and miss important molecular details. This project combines two optical imaging methods (ultraviolet surface excitation and mid‑infrared spectroscopic imaging) to capture protein and biochemical signals from biopsy tissue. The team will align images from both methods, extract new structural and molecular features, and use a deep‑learning model to combine those features. They will test the approach in mouse models and then validate the diagnostic markers using archived human kidney biopsy samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more accurate and consistent lupus nephritis diagnoses that help guide better treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Related imaging and machine‑learning methods have shown promise in laboratory and preclinical work, but combining MUSE and mid‑infrared imaging for human lupus nephritis diagnosis is a novel approach that still needs clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddy, Rohith — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Reddy, Rohith
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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.