Understanding Soluble (pro)renin Receptor in Kidney Scarring
Soluble (pro)renin receptor regulation of kidney fibrosis
This research explores how a specific protein called soluble (pro)renin receptor (sPRR) contributes to kidney damage and scarring in people with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136313 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to irreversible damage and loss of kidney function due to inflammation and scarring. We know that a protein called the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) plays a role in CKD, and a smaller, soluble piece of it, sPRR, is found at higher levels in patients with more advanced CKD. Our team has created a special mouse model that lacks sPRR, and these mice show less kidney injury and scarring. We aim to understand exactly how sPRR contributes to kidney disease progression and identify the cellular processes involved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms and does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications would target adults with chronic kidney disease.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic kidney disease or those with kidney conditions not related to the (pro)renin receptor pathway may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or slow down kidney scarring and improve outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the full-length PRR has been studied, the specific role of soluble PRR in kidney disease is largely unknown, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramkumar, Nirupama — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Ramkumar, Nirupama
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.