Understanding Metabolism in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Official title: Metabolic reprogramming and FGF21 signaling in kidney health and polycystic kidney diseases
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11141598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how changes in kidney energy use contribute to polycystic kidney disease and how diet or other approaches might help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,718 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133118-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) who are interested in understanding the metabolic basis of their condition and potential future therapies would be ideal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without polycystic kidney disease or those not interested in metabolic approaches to treatment may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
What this research studies
Our kidneys normally use fats for energy, but in polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), they switch to using sugar, which seems to help cysts grow. This project aims to understand if boosting the kidney's ability to burn fats can slow down ADPKD progression. We will also look at how specific diets, like ketogenic diets, and certain signals in the body, such as FGF21, affect the disease. The goal is to uncover the detailed ways these metabolic changes impact ADPKD, which could lead to new ways to manage the condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new dietary or drug-based treatments that slow the progression of polycystic kidney disease and preserve kidney function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown that dietary changes, such as ketogenic diets, can slow cyst growth in models of polycystic kidney disease, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Dao-Fu — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Dai, Dao-Fu
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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.