Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) a $622,959 Project Grant effective April 15, 2026, through January 31, 2031, under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847). This grant funds biomedical research investigating the role of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 2 (GPAT2) in regulating mineral metabolism during chronic kidney disease. The research aims to develop therapeutic interventions to address the "mineralization paradox"—the simultaneous occurrence of vascular mineralization and impaired skeletal mineralization—which contributes to cardiovascular and skeletal disease in chronic kidney disease patients.

The research deliverables will advance understanding of how GPAT2 modulates lipid metabolism and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) signaling pathways, with the goal of identifying novel approaches to prevent or reverse mineral disorder and reduce associated cardiovascular risk. MGH will conduct this investigator-initiated research through its Research Management Division in Boston, Massachusetts, leveraging preliminary findings from mouse models demonstrating that GPAT2 deletion improves phosphate balance and reduces FGF23 levels. The project represents basic biomedical research aligned with NIDDK's programmatic commitment to improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases through mechanistic investigation and therapeutic development.