Understanding how fat affects kidney disease progression
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying renal lipotoxicity and DKD progression
Funded at Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-11056875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fats and proteins in the kidneys can cause damage in people with diabetic kidney disease, and it hopes to find new ways to help protect kidney health for those living with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149499-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056875 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing or are already experiencing diabetic kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those with kidney disease not related to diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that contribute to diabetic kidney disease (DKD), focusing on how the reabsorption of certain fats and proteins in the kidneys can lead to damage and fibrosis. By studying a specific biomarker called KIM-1, the research aims to uncover the interactions between kidney cells that may worsen kidney function over time. The approach includes analyzing kidney tissue in mice at different stages of DKD to observe changes in fat accumulation and cell activation. This could help identify new targets for treatment and prevention of kidney damage in patients with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of kidney disease in diabetic patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of fat in kidney disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Xueying — Morehouse School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Xueying
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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.