Using AI to improve 3D imaging of kidney tissue for better diagnosis
Official title: AI-empowered 3D Computer Vision and Image-Omics Integration for Digital Kidney Histopathology
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10996175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on using advanced technology to turn regular kidney biopsy images into detailed 3D pictures, which will help doctors better understand kidney problems like rejection and chronic diseases, ultimately leading to more personalized treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $516,487 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135597-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing kidney biopsies, particularly those with kidney transplants or chronic kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have kidney-related conditions or those who are not undergoing kidney biopsies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the interpretation of kidney tissue biopsies using advanced AI technology and 3D imaging techniques. By converting traditional 2D images into detailed 3D representations, the project seeks to help renal pathologists accurately identify and characterize kidney-allograft rejection and other chronic kidney diseases. The approach involves developing tools that allow for reproducible clinical phenotyping and the discovery of new biomarkers, ultimately leading to personalized treatment options for patients. This innovative methodology addresses the limitations of current 2D assessments, which can be prone to errors due to the complex structures of kidney tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for patients with chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for pathology, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in kidney disease diagnosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huo, Yuankai — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Huo, Yuankai
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.