Plasminogen and podocyte protection in proteinuric kidney disease
Official title: Plasminogen in glomerular disease progression
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11555603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at UPenn explores how plasminogen affects podocytes in proteinuric kidney disease and tests a urine biomarker and amiloride-based compounds as potential ways to protect kidney function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $816,267 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK126477-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11555603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with proteinuric kidney disease who have or are at risk for progression toward end-stage kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without proteinuric kidney disease or without progression risk may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
Researchers are investigating how plasminogen in urine may injure podocytes and contribute to kidney disease progression. They have already developed a urine test to measure plasminogen and shown it can help predict worsening kidney function. The project aims to clarify how plasminogen drives podocyte injury and whether amiloride derivatives can protect these cells, potentially offering new treatment options. The work combines biomarker development with targeted therapeutic exploration to slow progression toward kidney failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to better prediction of disease progression and new podocyte-protective treatments to delay or prevent kidney failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows plasminogen relates to podocyte injury and a biomarker assay can predict kidney outcomes, supporting potential benefit of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, Kirk N — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Campbell, Kirk N
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.