New kidney biomarkers to catch type 1 diabetes kidney disease early
Official title: Novel biomarkers of kidney disease in type 1 diabetes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11364285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks for tiny clues in urine and blood that predict kidney trouble early in people with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $812,862 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK143566-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 1 diabetes who are at risk for or beginning signs of diabetic kidney disease, including African American individuals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without or with very stable kidney function may see little to no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Kidney disease is a major risk for people with type 1 diabetes, and current screens often miss the earliest changes. The researchers will analyze the urinary peptidome and degradome to find new, minimally invasive markers that predict rapid kidney function decline before traditional tests worsen. They will compare urine and plasma samples over time to see which biomarkers best forecast progression toward worse kidney outcomes. This work aims to tailor monitoring and future therapies to prevent dialysis or kidney failure in patients with type 1 diabetes, including diverse groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier warning signs and personalized monitoring to prevent kidney failure.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show urinary peptidomics can indicate kidney disease risk, but gaps remain that this study aims to fill.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costacou, Tina — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Costacou, Tina
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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.