Understanding how megalin recycling works in kidney cells
Official title: Structural regulation of megalin recycling in the proximal tubule
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10927444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called megalin helps your kidneys work better by recycling important substances from urine, and it could help find new ways to treat kidney problems where proteins leak into urine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,164 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK132511-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from kidney diseases that result in protein loss in urine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with kidney conditions unrelated to proteinuria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the recycling of megalin, a protein crucial for kidney function, specifically in the proximal tubule cells. Using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry, the research aims to uncover how megalin captures proteins from urine and protects kidney cells from damage. The findings could lead to new treatments for diseases characterized by protein loss in urine, known as proteinuric diseases. The research is conducted under the mentorship of experienced scientists at Columbia University.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for kidney diseases that involve proteinuria, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding protein recycling mechanisms, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beenken, Andrew S — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Beenken, Andrew S
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.