Preventing a harmful type of cell death to improve kidney healing
Ferroptosis and Ferroptotic Stress in Maladaptive Renal Repair
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11316977
This project explores whether blocking ferroptosis, a harmful type of cell death, can help people recover kidney function after acute kidney injury and reduce long-term kidney damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11316977 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using advanced single-cell gene analyses, mouse genetics, and human tissue data to learn how ferroptosis drives poor kidney repair after acute kidney injury (AKI). They will focus on proximal tubule cells, measure levels of the protective enzyme GPX4, and track how lipid peroxides and inflammatory changes prevent normal recovery. The team aims to find molecular targets that shield kidney cells from ferroptotic stress and restore healthy repair processes. If confirmed, these findings could point to new treatments to stop AKI from progressing to chronic kidney disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who recently experienced acute kidney injury or who are hospitalized with AKI (including COVID-19-associated AKI) and are at risk for maladaptive kidney repair.
Not a fit: People without recent AKI, those already on long-term dialysis for end-stage kidney disease, or patients with kidney disease from unrelated genetic causes may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce the risk that acute kidney injury progresses to chronic kidney disease, dialysis dependence, and related cardiovascular problems.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies and early human tissue analyses suggest ferroptosis blockers can protect kidneys, but clinical translation to patient treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOUMA, TOMOKAZU — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SOUMA, TOMOKAZU
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 below.