Understanding how a protein called Ubiquitin D affects kidney damage in people with HIV
Effect of Ubiquitin D variants upon APOL1-mediated kidney injury
This work explores how a protein called Ubiquitin D contributes to kidney disease in people with HIV, especially those of African ancestry with specific APOL1 gene variations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176276 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with HIV experience chronic kidney disease, particularly those of African ancestry who carry certain versions of the APOL1 gene. While these APOL1 gene variations increase kidney disease risk, not everyone with them develops the condition, suggesting other factors are involved. Our team previously found that a protein called Ubiquitin D (UBD) plays a role in kidney cell injury and immune responses in HIV-associated kidney disease. This research aims to understand how UBD interacts with the APOL1 gene to cause kidney damage, which could lead to new ways to protect the kidneys.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to individuals with HIV, particularly those of African ancestry who may be at higher risk for kidney disease due to specific APOL1 gene variations.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those whose kidney disease is not related to APOL1 gene variants or HIV may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or ways to prevent severe kidney disease in people with HIV, especially those of African ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Our group was the first to identify a role for Ubiquitin D in HIV-associated kidney disease, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Michael J — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ross, Michael J
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.