Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded the University of Washington $188,786 through the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) on July 1, 2026, for a five-year project extending through June 30, 2031. This Project Grant supports career development research investigating the role of sphingolipids (SL) as mediators of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with kidney disease. The funded work will examine how loss of kidney function impacts sphingolipid concentrations over short- and long-term periods and evaluate the potential of evolocumab to reduce sphingolipid levels in this patient population, addressing a significant gap in understanding CVD risk factors across the spectrum of kidney disease.

The principal investigator, an Assistant Professor in Nephrology, will deliver research findings and technical expertise developed through human subjects studies, clinical trial participation, and advanced analytical work in clinical lipidology and causal inference methodologies. The project builds upon preliminary data demonstrating associations between elevated sphingolipids and increased CVD and all-cause mortality risk in kidney disease patients. Deliverables will include peer-reviewed publications, training outcomes in translational research methodologies, and evidence to support future independent physician-scientist career development and expanded investigations into CVD prevention strategies across kidney disease populations.