Understanding Kidney Tubule Damage in Diabetes
Mechanisms of Tubular Atrophy
This project explores how kidney tubules get damaged in people with diabetes, aiming to find new ways to protect kidney health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For people with diabetes, kidney disease can lead to serious complications, and damage to tiny kidney tubes (tubular atrophy) is a key sign of progression. We are looking into how certain fats, called non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), accumulate in these kidney tubes when kidneys are injured by diabetes. This accumulation, especially when handled by a protein called FATP2, appears to harm the cells. Our goal is to understand the exact steps that lead to this cell damage and loss, using advanced laboratory techniques and models. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to identify new targets for treatments that can prevent or slow down kidney damage in diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with diabetic kidney disease, particularly those experiencing tubular atrophy, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients without diabetic kidney disease or kidney tubule damage may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect kidney tubules from damage, potentially slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of FATP2 in diabetic kidney disease has shown promise in mouse models, the exact mechanisms are still being uncovered, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schelling, Jeffrey R — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Schelling, Jeffrey R
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.