Targeting calcineurin regulators for better diagnostics and treatments for nephrotic syndrome
Official title: REGULATORS OF CALCINEURIN PATHWAYS AS DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11248746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $615,845 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134347-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11248746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults or children with nephrotic syndrome—especially those with steroid-resistant disease or suspected genetic causes, including suspected RCAN gene changes—are the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People whose kidney disease is not driven by calcineurin signaling or who do not have RCAN-related abnormalities may not receive direct benefit from these specific findings.
What this research studies
The team found changes in RCAN genes in some people with nephrotic syndrome and saw that those changes make cells overactive for calcineurin and more likely to die. In lab models they used drugs that block calcineurin to reverse those harmful effects, and they will use genetic tools (including CRISPR) and patient-derived samples to map the pathways involved. The researchers will search for non-invasive biomarkers (like blood or urine markers) that indicate who has calcineurin-driven disease and who might respond to calcineurin-targeted treatments. Their goal is to connect genetic findings to real tests and treatment options that could be used in clinics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce tests to identify patients who will benefit from calcineurin-targeting drugs and lead to more targeted therapies that reduce kidney damage.
How similar studies have gone: Calcineurin inhibitors are already used for some glomerular diseases but help only a portion of patients, and using genetic findings to guide this approach is relatively new with promising preclinical support.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gbadegesin, Rasheed Adebayo — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Gbadegesin, Rasheed Adebayo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Whole genome sequencing to uncover molecular causes in nephrotic syndrome
A study to map the genetic and molecular factors behind nephrotic syndrome and related kidney diseases to help diagnose and guide future treatments for patients.
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Sodium-related edema in nephrotic syndrome and ANGPTL4
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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.