Stopping a protein that causes kidney scarring
Blocking Latent TGF-β2 Activation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Renal Fibrosis
This research aims to develop new treatments for kidney scarring, a major cause of kidney failure, by targeting a specific protein called TGF-β2.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059948 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Kidney scarring, or renal fibrosis, is a serious problem that can lead to end-stage kidney disease. We know that a protein called TGF-β2 plays a big role in causing this scarring. This project focuses on finding new ways to stop TGF-β2 from becoming active and causing damage in the kidneys. We are creating special antibodies designed to block this protein and testing them in laboratory models to see if they can prevent or reverse kidney scarring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients at this stage, but future clinical trials based on this work would likely seek individuals with chronic kidney disease or those at risk of renal fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients with kidney conditions not related to TGF-β2 activity or those whose kidney disease is too advanced may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that prevent or slow down kidney scarring, potentially reducing the number of people who develop end-stage kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work showed that an antibody targeting mature TGF-β2 could stop kidney scarring in animal models, suggesting this approach has promise.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le, Viet Quoc — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Le, Viet Quoc
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.