Understanding kidney development in premature infants using a monkey model

Bridging the gap of late gestation human nephrogenesis using a non-human primate model

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-10909239

This study is looking at how kidneys grow in the later stages of pregnancy using rhesus macaques to help us understand how to improve kidney function in premature babies.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10909239 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how kidneys develop in late gestation, particularly focusing on a process called lateral branch nephrogenesis that is crucial for forming nephrons. Since studying human kidney development during this period is challenging, researchers are using a non-human primate model, specifically rhesus macaques, to gain insights. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that sustain nephron development and explore potential therapeutic methods to enhance kidney function in premature infants. Advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing will be employed to analyze kidney development at a cellular level.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of low nephron numbers and subsequent kidney issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have kidney development concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve kidney health in premature infants, potentially reducing their risk of chronic kidney disease later in life.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach using non-human primates is innovative, similar studies in other models have shown promise in understanding kidney development.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, 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.