Understanding why dialysis access veins fail to mature
Official title: Molecular control of vascular smooth muscle reprogramming in arteriovenous fistula maturation
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11128778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how vein cells change after surgery to create a dialysis access, aiming to understand why these access points often don't work well for patients with kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $685,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135284-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with chronic kidney disease who require hemodialysis and experience issues with their arteriovenous fistula maturation would ultimately benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or do not have issues with arteriovenous fistula maturation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people with chronic kidney disease need a special surgical connection, called an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), in their arm for life-saving hemodialysis. Unfortunately, about 60% of these AVFs don't mature properly, meaning they can't be used for dialysis. This happens because the vein doesn't widen enough or develops blockages. Currently, there are no treatments to help AVFs mature better, largely because we don't fully understand how the vein adapts to the new blood flow. This project aims to uncover the specific changes in vein smooth muscle cells that prevent successful AVF maturation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help arteriovenous fistulas mature properly, improving dialysis access for patients with chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from mouse models and human samples suggest a novel role for vein smooth muscle cells in AVF remodeling, indicating this approach builds on new findings.
Where this research is happening
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Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Xiaochun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Long, Xiaochun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
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Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
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How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
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Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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.