Targeting GPCRs in the kidney’s primary cilium to help treat ADPKD
Official title: Harnessing the potential of GPCRs localized to the primary cilium for the treatment of renal disease
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11486761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist is researching how signaling in the kidney’s tiny cilia might be harnessed to slow or stop Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005124-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11486761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with ADPKD or related kidney conditions, and Veterans affected by the disease, may be eligible for future clinical exploration.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience direct benefit until later stages of development or if the disease biology differs from studied mechanisms.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a specific kidney disease (ADPKD) that can lead to kidney failure and requires dialysis or transplant for some patients. It looks at how certain cell signaling receptors in the primary cilium of kidney cells influence disease progression, with an eye toward new treatment approaches. The work is grounded in human disease biology and involves translation from basic mechanisms toward possible therapies, building on existing drugs already approved for related kidney issues. If successful, the findings could inform future therapeutic options for people living with ADPKD, including Veterans who are disproportionately affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially new ways to prevent or slow kidney cyst growth and decline in kidney function for people with ADPKD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that targeting similar ciliary pathways can influence kidney disease progression and has led to approved therapies for related conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hofer, Aldebaran M — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Hofer, Aldebaran M
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.