Protecting kidney cells in diabetic kidney disease using signaling molecules
Official title: Promoting podocyte protective cGMP signaling in diabetic kidney disease
Funded at Durham VA Medical Center · NIH-11098485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain natural substances can help protect kidney cells from damage caused by diabetes, with the hope of finding new treatments that could improve kidney health for people with diabetic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005703-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease, particularly those experiencing albuminuria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic kidney disease or those with other unrelated kidney conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific signaling molecules, known as natriuretic peptides, can protect kidney cells called podocytes from damage in diabetic kidney disease. The study investigates how these peptides stimulate the production of a protective signaling molecule called cGMP in podocytes, which is crucial for maintaining kidney health. By blocking a receptor that degrades these peptides, the research aims to enhance their protective effects and reduce kidney injury. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for diabetic nephropathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect kidney function in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to enhance kidney protection, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Durham VA Medical Center
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spurney, Robert — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Spurney, Robert
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-
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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.