Understanding kidney cells to slow cystic kidney disease

Targeting kidney resident macrophage niche filling to slow cystic kidney disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · NIH-11137635

This work explores how certain kidney cells contribute to cystic kidney disease, aiming to find new ways to slow its progression.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11137635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies have special cells called macrophages that live in the kidneys and play a role in cystic kidney disease. While targeting these cells could help patients, current methods affect macrophages throughout the body, which isn't safe for long-term use. This project focuses on understanding how these kidney macrophages are replaced after temporary removal, a process called 'niche filling.' By learning more about this process, we hope to develop a way to specifically target kidney macrophages without harming other parts of the body. This could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for cystic kidney disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with cystic kidney disease who may benefit from future therapies developed from these findings.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, safer treatments that specifically target kidney cells to slow the progression of cystic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the idea of targeting kidney macrophages is promising, this specific approach of understanding and manipulating 'niche filling' for tissue-specific depletion is a novel area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

OKLAHOMA CITY, 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.