Understanding how protein balance in kidney cells affects kidney injury

Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Homeostasis in Renal Physiology and Acute Kidney Injury

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11062498

This study is looking at how a process in our cells that helps manage stress affects kidney health during serious injuries, which could lead to new ways to protect and help people recover their kidneys.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11062498 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) in acute kidney injury (AKI), a serious condition affecting many hospitalized patients. By using a specialized mouse model, researchers will explore how the endoplasmic reticulum's ability to manage protein stress impacts kidney cell survival during injury. The study aims to identify the mechanisms by which UPR activation can lead to kidney damage, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into kidney protection and recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for acute kidney injury.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease or those who do not have acute kidney injury may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better protect kidney function during acute injury.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the UPR's role in various stress responses, but this specific approach to AKI is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions acute kidney injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.