Understanding how the kidneys process ketones in health and disease
Official title: Defining intra-renal ketone metabolism in kidney health and disease
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11000859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the kidneys use ketones, which are substances made when we fast, to stay healthy, and it aims to learn more about a special enzyme that helps with this process, which could help us understand kidney disease better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,911 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135555-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are experiencing chronic kidney disease or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute kidney injury or those without any metabolic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ketone metabolism in kidney health and disease, focusing on how the kidneys utilize ketones produced during fasting. By studying specific mouse models, the research aims to uncover the functions of a key enzyme involved in ketone production within the kidneys. The goal is to understand how different parts of the kidney work together to manage ketone levels, which could provide insights into metabolic dysregulation associated with kidney disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing kidney disease by targeting metabolic pathways.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on intra-renal ketone metabolism is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways in kidney disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huen, Sarah — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Huen, Sarah
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.