TWEAK-Fn14 and inflammation in chronic kidney disease
TWEAK-Fn14 regulation of non-canonical NF-kB signaling in chronic renal inflammation
This work focuses on how two proteins, TWEAK and Fn14, cause long-term inflammation in people with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142268 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chronic kidney disease involves ongoing inflammation that damages kidney tissue, and this project targets a signaling route called non-canonical NF-kB that may keep that inflammation going. The researchers will study how TWEAK and its receptor Fn14 activate this pathway using laboratory models of kidney injury and cellular experiments. They will also examine how TWEAK interacts with other inflammatory signals like TNFα to drive different downstream responses. The aim is to identify molecular switches that could be targeted to reduce inflammation and slow CKD progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic kidney disease, especially those with evidence of ongoing inflammation or declining kidney function, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials or sample donation related to this work.
Not a fit: People without chronic kidney disease or whose kidney problems are caused by non-inflammatory mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to reduce kidney inflammation and help slow or prevent progression of chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked TWEAK/Fn14 to kidney inflammation, but translating these findings into effective human treatments is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortega, Michael a. — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Ortega, Michael a.
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.