Wheat Gluten and Polycystic Kidney
The Role of Wheat-Gluten in Polycystic Kidney Disease
This project explores how different proteins in our diet, like wheat gluten, might affect the growth of kidney cysts in people with Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, and how quickly they grow can vary a lot, even in the same family. We know that diet, especially the amount and type of protein, can influence this. For example, some animal proteins might speed up cyst growth, while plant-based proteins like soy might slow it down. This project uses animal models to understand how wheat gluten, compared to animal proteins, affects kidney cyst growth and inflammation. We are also looking at specific amino acids found in animal proteins to see if they are responsible for these effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) who are interested in how diet might influence their condition could find this research relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney disease is not related to ADPKD or dietary factors may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new dietary recommendations for people with ADPKD to help slow down the progression of their kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies have shown that different protein types can affect cyst growth in animal models of ADPKD, and this project builds on those findings by focusing on wheat gluten and specific amino acids.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saigusa, Takamitsu — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Saigusa, Takamitsu
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.