Why chronic kidney disease causes anemia
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Renal Anemia
Researchers are figuring out how damaged kidneys lead to low red blood cell counts in adults with chronic kidney disease to help develop safer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264833 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the specific kidney cells that make erythropoietin (EPO) and how they fail in chronic kidney disease. Scientists will study oxygen-sensing enzymes (prolyl hydroxylases) and HIF2 signaling that control EPO production, using tissue and blood samples alongside lab models and 3D imaging. The work also examines how iron regulation is disrupted in kidney disease and contributes to anemia. Findings aim to link cellular changes to the blood problems people experience so new treatment ideas can emerge.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with chronic kidney disease who have anemia or low EPO levels, including veterans served by the VHA, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose anemia is caused by conditions unrelated to kidney function (for example, primary bone marrow disorders, hemolysis, or isolated dietary iron deficiency) may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to therapies that restore natural EPO production or safer alternatives to current EPO drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting the PHD/HIF pathway have already produced successful treatments for renal anemia, but this project focuses on deeper cellular mechanisms that remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haase, Volker Hans — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Haase, Volker Hans
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.