Stopping calcium buildup in blood vessels caused by kidney disease
Preventing vascular calcification in kidney disease
This project will see if a synthetic ASARM peptide can prevent calcium buildup in the blood vessels of people with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311921 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying tiny blood particles called calciprotein particles that drive blood vessel hardening in chronic kidney disease. They found lower levels of a natural inhibitor called ASARM peptide in people with advanced kidney failure and in animal models. The team will give synthetic ASARM peptide to CKD animal models, study patient blood samples, and run cell-based tests to learn how the peptide blocks particle-driven calcification. Results will be used to link lab findings to patient markers and guide future steps toward human treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with chronic kidney disease—particularly those approaching or on dialysis or who show signs of blood vessel calcification or low ASARM peptide levels.
Not a fit: People without kidney disease or whose vessel calcification has unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment that reduces vascular calcification and lowers cardiovascular risk in people with CKD.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies reported that synthetic ASARM peptide reduced vascular calcification in CKD models, but human testing is very limited.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rowe, Peter S — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rowe, Peter S
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.