Understanding How Kidneys Form and Developing New Ways to Address Birth Defects
Establishing and Mimicking Patterning Mechanisms in the Distal Nephron Tubule and Kidney Organoid
This work aims to understand how kidneys develop normally and how birth defects occur, using advanced models to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137621 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
During pregnancy, kidneys develop millions of tiny filters called nephrons that are essential for cleaning blood and removing waste. Unfortunately, about 1 in 100 babies are born with kidney birth defects, known as Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT), which can be very severe. This research uses detailed maps of how human and mouse kidneys form, along with human stem cell-derived kidney models, to pinpoint where these developmental problems begin. By understanding these early stages, we hope to uncover the genetic reasons behind CAKUT and pave the way for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to families and individuals affected by Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) or other severe kidney birth defects.
Not a fit: Patients without kidney birth defects or those with acquired kidney diseases may not directly benefit from this specific developmental research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a deeper understanding of kidney birth defects and potentially new therapies to restore or replace kidney function for affected newborns.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has successfully used advanced genetic and cellular mapping techniques to create blueprints for nephron formation and replicate this in human kidney organoids.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindstrom, Nils Olof — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lindstrom, Nils Olof
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.