Sodium-related edema in nephrotic syndrome and ANGPTL4
Official title: Sodium-independent mechanisms of edema in nephrotic syndrome
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11431977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-scientist group is studying how a protein called ANGPTL4 may drive skin edema in nephrotic syndrome, with experiments in rodents and tests on human ANGPTL4 fragments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $749,087 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with nephrotic syndrome or clinicians treating such patients, whose biology may be reflected in ANGPTL4 pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without nephrotic syndrome or ANGPTL4-related edema may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why people with nephrotic syndrome accumulate fluid by focusing on ANGPTL4, a circulating protein. Researchers will induce nephrotic syndrome in rats, measure edema with multiple methods, and create lab tests using skin endothelial cells. They will also examine different ANGPTL4 forms and map the parts that drive edema, including 3D skin imaging and structural studies. The goal is to identify which ANGPTL4 form causes capillary leakage so future therapies can target it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted therapies that reduce swelling in nephrotic syndrome by blocking the key ANGPTL4 fragment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies suggest ANGPTL4 influences edema; this project aims to clarify which fragment is responsible and how it works.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chugh, Sumant Singh — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chugh, Sumant Singh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Whole genome sequencing to uncover molecular causes in nephrotic syndrome
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Immune-driven tubulointerstitial injury in pediatric nephrotic syndrome
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-
Targeting calcineurin regulators for better diagnostics and treatments for nephrotic syndrome
This work looks at whether proteins that control calcineurin can be used to make better tests and more precise treatments for people with nephrotic syndrome.
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Investigating the role of a specific protein in childhood kidney disease
This study is looking at how a protein called CD93 might affect kidney health in children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome, and by examining blood and urine samples, researchers hope to find clues that could help doctors better understand and treat this condition.
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Improving how we measure symptoms for nephrotic syndrome
This project aims to create better ways to measure how patients with nephrotic syndrome experience symptoms like fluid overload, making it easier to understand how new treatments are working.
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.