# Local delivery of mesenchymal stem cells via injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogels to treat acute kidney injury and prevent progression of chronic kidney disease

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2020 · $165,240

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and
pre-disposes patients to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mesenchymal stem
cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve outcomes of AKI in murine models of kidney disease
via paracrine mechanisms, however, the use of MSCs is currently limited by delivery method
and cell viability. A biocompatible and safe delivery method that would allow for local delivery of
MSCs is needed. Injectable hydrogels have been shown to improve MSC viability.
 The purpose of this work is to expand upon our prior research using injectable
hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels for local delivery of MSCs to the kidney in an animal model of
AKI-to-CKD transition. The central hypothesis is that local delivery of MSCs via injectable HA
hydrogels will improve outcomes of AKI as well as prevent the progression of CKD. In aim 1, we
will investigate the potential method(s) by which hydrogels alone improve renal outcomes, which
has been a consistent finding across studies. We will determine whether the hydrogels adsorb
pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or impact local gene expression. In aim 2, we will determine the
localization and proliferation of MSCs following delivery either subcutaneously or locally to the
kidney via injectable hydrogels, and compare their fate to MSCs injected intravenously via
saline suspension. In aim 3, we will determine the efficacy and mechanisms of action that MSCs
via injectable HA hydrogels have along the AKI-to-CKD continuum.
 The approach is innovative, because it uses novel biocompatible biomaterials to fulfill an
unmet clinical need by providing a local delivery system for MSCs that also improves MSC
viability. The proposed research is potentially translational for use in humans because injectable
hydrogels can be delivered either subcutaneously or under the kidney capsule in a procedure
similar to ultrasound-guided percutaneous kidney biopsies. The proposal is significant because
acute and chronic kidney diseases are common and other than supportive therapy, there is no
current treatment. Complimentary to the proposed research plan, a five year mentored career
development training plan has been devised. The training plan incorporates didactic learning in
stem cell biology, immunology and statistical analysis, as well as hands-on training in stem cell
biology, bioengineering and basic science research. The candidate is co-mentored by
internationally recognized experts in the fields of AKI, bioengineering and stem cells. The
candidate’s long-term career goal is to become an independent investigator studying the
translational utility of biomaterials to deliver therapeutics in an array of kidney diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9923640
- **Project number:** 5K08DK109226-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Danielle Elise Soranno
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $165,240
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-05-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9923640

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9923640, Local delivery of mesenchymal stem cells via injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogels to treat acute kidney injury and prevent progression of chronic kidney disease (5K08DK109226-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9923640. Licensed CC0.

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