Understanding how cell signals cause scarring in chronic kidney disease
The role of cytosolic nucleotide sensors in inflammatory fibrosis
This project explores how certain signals inside our cells contribute to the scarring and inflammation seen in chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks into why some cells in the body might mistakenly trigger inflammation and scarring, especially in conditions like chronic kidney disease. Researchers believe that specific sensors inside cells, which normally detect foreign invaders like viruses, might be overactive and cause ongoing inflammation. They will examine kidney samples from both patients and animal models to identify these overactive signals and understand how they lead to fibrosis. The goal is to pinpoint the exact cellular processes that drive this harmful inflammation and scarring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies stemming from this work may seek individuals with chronic kidney disease or other inflammatory fibrotic conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic kidney disease or inflammatory fibrotic conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to stop or slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease and other fibrotic conditions by targeting these specific cell signals.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of inflammation in fibrosis is known, this specific focus on cytosolic nucleotide sensors as a trigger for persistent low-grade inflammation in CKD represents a novel and underexplored area.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Susztak, Katalin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Susztak, Katalin
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.