Understanding how proteins cause kidney stones to form
Protein interactions that control calcium oxalate stone formation
This project looks at how different proteins interact to form calcium oxalate kidney stones, hoping to find new ways to prevent them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175507 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Kidney stones are a common and painful problem, and current treatments don't offer a cure. We know that proteins play a key role in how these stones grow and harden. This work aims to uncover the specific ways these proteins stick together and to crystals, leading to stone formation. By understanding these detailed processes, we hope to find new targets for medications that could stop stones from forming in the first place.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney stones are not primarily composed of calcium oxalate or are not related to protein interactions may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent kidney stones from forming or recurring, offering a cure beyond just managing symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of proteins in kidney stone formation has been observed, this specific focus on the detailed interactions of polyanions and polycations and other weakly ionic proteins represents a novel approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wesson, Jeffrey a — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Wesson, Jeffrey a
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.