Understanding How Gut Bacteria Affect Kidney Stones
Gut-kidney axis in enteric hyperoxaluria
This project explores how certain gut bacteria influence high oxalate levels and kidney stones, particularly in people with digestive conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178342 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with digestive conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), experience high oxalate levels and recurrent kidney stones because their bodies absorb too much oxalate. This project aims to understand the 'oxalobiome,' a group of gut bacteria that can break down oxalate and protect against these high levels. Researchers are using advanced computational tools to identify these specific bacteria and see how their function differs in healthy individuals compared to those with IBD. The ultimate goal is to discover how to adjust these gut bacteria to prevent high oxalate levels and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who have digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and experience high oxalate levels or recurrent kidney stones.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney stones are not caused by high oxalate levels or digestive issues may not directly benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that adjust gut bacteria to prevent high oxalate levels and reduce the risk of kidney stones for patients with digestive diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of gut bacteria degrading oxalate is known, this project uses a novel computational method to comprehensively study these microbes, making it a new approach to understanding their role in disease.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nazzal, Lama — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Nazzal, Lama
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.