TREM2 immune cells and kidney protection in diabetes
Mechanisms of disrupted homeostasis and kidney injury
This project looks at whether a type of immune cell called TREM2 helps protect kidneys in people with obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11369146 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work combines studies of human kidney tissue with experiments in mouse models to learn how TREM2 resident macrophages change during obesity-driven type 2 diabetes. Researchers will examine patient kidney samples and run parallel mouse experiments to see if increasing or blocking these cells changes kidney injury. Lab analyses will track cell types, signaling molecules, and tissue damage to understand the cells' role. The goal is to identify whether TREM2 cells could be a target for future treatments for diabetic kidney disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity-associated type 2 diabetes and signs of diabetic kidney disease would be the most relevant candidates to donate tissue or join related clinical components.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or kidney disease are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that protect kidney function in people with diabetic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies, including the investigators' own work, have shown increased TREM2 macrophages in diabetic kidneys, but targeting these cells as a therapy is largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Broad Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greka, Anna — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Greka, Anna
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.