Non-invasive kidney injury detection using blood and urine markers
Official title: Non-invasive assessment of kidney histology for acute tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11446560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing a non-invasive way to gauge kidney damage, based on simple blood and urine tests, using data from patients who need kidney biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $798,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK145838-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing clinically indicated native kidney biopsies who are part of the NAIKID cohort and have available blood, urine, and tissue samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without biopsy or biomarker data, or those outside the NAIKID Cohort, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will build and test predictive models that infer the severity of acute tubular injury and scarring in the kidneys without needing another biopsy. It uses samples and clinical data from up to 700 patients enrolled in Johns Hopkins’ ongoing NAIKID study, correlating blood and urine biomarkers with biopsy results. The goal is to enable earlier, safer risk assessment and better monitoring for people with acute kidney problems. The study combines biomarkers with clinical information to create reliable, non-invasive tools that could guide diagnosis and treatment in real time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could avoid invasive biopsy procedures and receive faster, more accurate risk assessment and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that combining biomarkers with clinical data can predict kidney injury outcomes, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menez, Steven — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Menez, Steven
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
-
Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
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.