Understanding how blood vessels adapt in arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis
Official title: Molecular control of vascular smooth muscle reprogramming in arteriovenous fistula maturation
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10871833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your veins react to blood flow changes to help improve the way arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) develop, which is important for people on dialysis due to kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $662,922 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135284-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic kidney disease who require hemodialysis and are undergoing the creation of an arteriovenous fistula.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or have alternative vascular access methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms that affect the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), which are crucial for patients undergoing hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease. The study focuses on how venous smooth muscle cells respond to changes in blood flow and pressure, which are essential for the AVF to develop properly. By examining these cellular responses, the researchers aim to identify potential therapies that could enhance the maturation of AVFs, thereby improving their effectiveness for dialysis access.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas, increasing their success rate for patients needing dialysis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular adaptations, but this specific approach to enhancing AVF maturation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Xiaochun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Long, Xiaochun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
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Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
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How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
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Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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.