Understanding blood vessel hardening in kidney disease

The role of MLKL in the regulation of vascular calcification in CKD

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11110327

This research aims to uncover new ways to prevent blood vessel hardening, a serious problem for people with chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11110327 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Cardiovascular diseases, like the hardening of blood vessels, are a major cause of death for individuals living with chronic kidney disease, and currently, there are no effective treatments. Our team is exploring how inflammation and cell stress contribute to this hardening. We are specifically looking at a process called regulated cell death to find new targets for medicines. By understanding these underlying mechanisms, we hope to develop new strategies to protect blood vessels.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for or experiencing vascular calcification.

Not a fit: Patients without chronic kidney disease or vascular calcification would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medications that prevent or slow down the hardening of blood vessels in patients with chronic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that inflammation and cell stress play a role in vascular calcification, and this work builds on those findings with a novel focus on cell death pathways.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.