Understanding how a protein affects kidney stones using dogs as a model
Official title: Leveraging a unique dog model to determine the role of uromodulin in kidney stone disease
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11144694 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called uromodulin might affect the risk of kidney stones, especially in dogs, to help us understand how it could lead to better ways to prevent kidney stones in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $368,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK132046-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144694 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over, who are at higher risk for developing kidney stones.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of kidney stones or related urinary disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called uromodulin in the formation of kidney stones, particularly focusing on calcium oxalate stones. By studying pet dogs, which naturally develop these stones, researchers aim to uncover how genetic variations in uromodulin influence kidney stone risk. The study will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, including how uromodulin affects kidney function and inflammation related to stone formation. This approach could lead to better prevention strategies for kidney stones in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and prevention strategies for kidney stones, reducing pain and healthcare costs for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using animal models to understand human diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furrow, Eva — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Furrow, Eva
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Uromodulin and peptides as new targets in kidney stone biology
This NIH grant explores how a urine protein called uromodulin and its peptide pieces influence calcium oxalate kidney stones, using dogs and human biology to understand why stones form and how to prevent them.
-
Oxalate‑eating probiotic to help prevent kidney stones
A new probiotic strain is being developed to help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones by breaking down oxalic acid in the gut.
-
Oxalate and your immune system in kidney stones
This grant looks at how oxalate in our diet affects kidney stone risk and our immune cells, especially in adults with calcium oxalate stones.
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How the kidney channel claudin‑2 affects calcium balance and calcium kidney stones
This project looks at how a kidney channel called claudin‑2 helps keep calcium from building up and forming calcium kidney stones.
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Oxalate balance in people with calcium oxalate kidney stones
This project will find out why some adults make or absorb extra oxalate that increases the chance of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
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A Probiotic to Prevent Kidney Stones
This project is developing a new probiotic to help people prevent kidney stones by breaking down a key substance called oxalic acid.
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.