Understanding how the upper urinary tract works in children

Defining the onset and regulation of myogenic upper urinary tract physiology

['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11175471

This project aims to uncover the basic ways the upper urinary tract develops and functions, especially in children, to better understand conditions like hydronephrosis and reflux.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11175471 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many children experience kidney problems due to issues with how urine flows, such as hydronephrosis or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which can lead to kidney damage. We don't fully understand why these problems happen, especially when there isn't a clear blockage. This project focuses on the upper urinary tract, which is a muscular tube that moves urine from the kidneys to the bladder. We are exploring the specific cells and signals that control these movements, hoping to find new ways to prevent or treat conditions that harm children's kidneys.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on conditions affecting children aged 0-11 years with urinary tract issues like hydronephrosis or vesicoureteral reflux.

Not a fit: Patients whose urinary tract issues are not related to the basic mechanisms of upper urinary tract peristalsis may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat urinary tract problems in children, potentially preventing kidney disease and failure.

How similar studies have performed: Our group has made previous discoveries about the cells and channels that control urinary tract movement, suggesting a promising path for this continued investigation.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.