Understanding How Blood Clotting Factors Harm Kidney Cells

Thrombin-Mediated Podocyte Injury Mechanisms

['FUNDING_R01'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-11168668

This project aims to discover how a blood clotting factor called thrombin damages kidney cells in people with nephrotic syndrome, hoping to find new ways to slow down kidney disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11168668 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Nephrotic syndrome is a serious kidney condition that can lead to kidney failure, and we know that a substance called thrombin, which helps blood clot, can also harm important kidney cells called podocytes. When thrombin's effects are blocked, kidney damage and protein in the urine (a sign of nephrotic syndrome) can be reduced. This project will use advanced methods, including studies in animal models and with specific cell types, to uncover the exact ways thrombin causes this damage. By understanding these detailed processes, we hope to identify new targets for medicines that could stop or slow the progression of kidney disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms, so it is not directly recruiting patients for a clinical trial at this stage.

Not a fit: Patients whose kidney disease is not related to thrombin-mediated podocyte injury may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted treatments that slow or halt the progression of nephrotic syndrome towards end-stage kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of thrombin's role in kidney injury has been observed, this project aims to define the specific molecular mechanisms, which is a critical and less explored area for targeted therapies.

Where this research is happening

COLUMBUS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.