Understanding how bacteria contribute to kidney stone formation
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Biofilm-Forming Bacteria in Nephrolithiasis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11081818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria that form biofilms might help create kidney stones, which many people deal with, to find new ways to prevent and treat this common problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $169,560 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK132486-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have a history of kidney stones, particularly those with calcium-based stones.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have kidney stones or those with stones not associated with bacterial infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of biofilm-forming bacteria in the development of kidney stones, which affect a significant portion of the population. The study aims to explore how these bacteria may promote the growth of calcium-based stones, which are the most common type. Using advanced imaging techniques and a three-dimensional kidney model, researchers will examine the interactions between bacteria and kidney stones to better understand the underlying mechanisms. This could lead to new insights into prevention and treatment strategies for kidney stone disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for patients suffering from kidney stones.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of bacteria in infectious stones is known, this research is exploring a novel area regarding calcium stones, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scotland, Kymora B — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Scotland, Kymora B
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-
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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.