Using focused soundwaves plus stem-cell-derived vesicles to help repair injured kidneys
Treating kidney injury using soundwaves combined with mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11296334
This project uses targeted pulsed focused ultrasound together with mesenchymal stem cells and their tiny secretions (extracellular vesicles) to help heal acute kidney damage that can follow surgery, transplant, sepsis, or shock.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you had sudden (acute) kidney injury from low blood flow or after surgery, this work is developing a therapy meant to repair that damage. Researchers are using a mouse model that mimics human ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury and delivering bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles directly into the kidney. They prime the cells with pulsed focused ultrasound to change the kidney microenvironment and boost the cells' healing signals, aiming to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and later scarring. These experiments are being done at Stanford as a preclinical step toward possible future patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual target group would be people who develop acute ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury after major cardiac or vascular surgery, kidney transplantation, severe infection (sepsis), or hemorrhagic shock.
Not a fit: People with long-standing chronic kidney disease, kidney problems from non-ischemic causes, or unrelated kidney conditions are less likely to benefit from this specific ischemia-reperfusion–focused therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lessen acute kidney damage, lower the chance of progressing to chronic kidney failure, and reduce the need for dialysis after major surgery or transplant.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies using MSCs and extracellular vesicles have shown promise in animals, but these approaches remain largely unproven in humans so far.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THAKOR, AVNESH SINH — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: THAKOR, AVNESH SINH
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.