Understanding how aging affects kidney function and blood pressure
Official title: Regulation of kidney function and blood pressure in aging
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11063175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects kidney health and blood pressure, especially how salt sensitivity plays a role, and it’s for older adults who want to understand more about managing these common health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138872-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing kidney issues or high blood pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any kidney dysfunction or hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging, kidney function, and blood pressure, focusing on how salt sensitivity impacts these factors in older adults. The study aims to explore the role of renal stem cell-derived exosomes in maintaining kidney health and regulating blood pressure. By utilizing advanced techniques, researchers will examine whether changes in these exosomes contribute to kidney dysfunction and hypertension associated with aging. This could lead to new insights into managing these common health issues in the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for kidney dysfunction and hypertension in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of exosomes in various health conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Zhongjie — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sun, Zhongjie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How blood pressure and heart rate recovery after everyday stresses relate to vascular health and early brain aging
This work looks at whether how your blood pressure and heart rate bounce back after everyday stresses can signal higher risk for heart disease, organ damage, memory decline, or early Alzheimer's.
-
How aging changes the kidney's control of blood pressure
This work looks at whether tiny kidney-derived particles called renal stem cell exosomes help keep kidneys working and blood pressure normal in older adults.
-
Understanding how blood pressure and heart rate respond to stress and their impact on aging and Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how your blood pressure and heart rate change when you're stressed or active, to see if these changes can help us understand your heart and brain health better, especially as you age.
-
How aging affects blood pressure control and kidney function
This study is looking at how getting older affects high blood pressure and why older adults often have a harder time managing it, with the hope of finding better treatments for them.
-
Investigating how a specific olfactory receptor affects blood pressure as we age
This study is looking at how a specific smell receptor in the body might affect blood pressure as we get older, especially in both men and women, including those who have gone through menopause, to help us understand how aging and gender can influence heart health.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
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.