Mechanisms Of Infection Triggered Renal Vasculitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,900.00
Summary
Kidney disease, including glomerulonephritis, is an important cause of ill-health in Australia. Some forms of kidney inflammation are linked to infection, but we don�t understand why. This project explores products from bacteria, particularly S.aureus, to work out how bacterial infection affects a form of kidney inflammation - ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. It will establish how infection related signals activate local and immune cells, and define links between infection and the disease.
Kidney failure is a devastating consequence of diabetes mellitus. Evidence exists that increased amounts of glucose are filtered by the kidney and then together with salt is reaborbed, in patients with diabetes. The increased glucose and salt reabsorption is considered to trigger cellular damage leading to renal failure. The studies will determine if reducing glucose and salt resportion by the kidney protects against the development of renal failure in models of diabetic renal disease.
A Central Role For Carbonic Anhydrase In Renal Hypertrophy And Interstitial Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,888.00
Summary
1 in 3 Australians are at risk of developing kidney disease. Renal replacement therapies (dialysis and transplantation) currently cost over $1.2 billion per year. These therapies do not address the underlying cause of the disease. Much research has focused on novel strategies to reverse kidney damage with mixed success. In this project we examine a novel preventative strategy based on currently available therapeutics that may slow the progression of kidney disease.
Role Of The Lysosomal Protein SCARB2 In Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,658.00
Summary
Loss of protein in the urine is one of the most important things that happens before the kidneys fail. Losing protein seems to damage the kidneys, but we are still not sure how it happens in most people. We are studying the 'waste management system' of cells, that enables them to get rid of proteins that are no longer required. We have some evidence that this system is abnormal in inherited proteinuria and now want to find out if this is also a problem in more common diseases.
Investigating The Use Of Bone Marrow Transplantation To Study And Treat Polycystic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,250.00
Summary
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic condition that causes fluid filled cysts to form in the kidney. In many cases, these cysts lead to kidney failure. Once the kidneys fail irreversibly, the only treatments available are dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis to remove waste products from the blood is time consuming and does not completely replace all functions of the kidney. Kidney transplantation is limited by the availability of donor organs. At present, there are no re ....Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic condition that causes fluid filled cysts to form in the kidney. In many cases, these cysts lead to kidney failure. Once the kidneys fail irreversibly, the only treatments available are dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis to remove waste products from the blood is time consuming and does not completely replace all functions of the kidney. Kidney transplantation is limited by the availability of donor organs. At present, there are no reliable ways to prevent the onset or slow the progression of PKD. The kidney consists of a complex system of tubules and ducts. PKD causes the cells that make up these tubules and ducts to grow uncontrollably and form cysts. We are using mice to study how mutations affect the mechanisms that control cell growth in the kidney and cause PKD. Bone marrow cells can move to the kidney and repair it after damage. We will test if bone marrow cells carrying a PKD mutation can cause PKD when transplanted into a healthy mouse. This will help us learn how mutations cause PKD in humans. We will also see if normal bone marrow can prevent disease when transplanted into a mutant mouse that spontaneously develops PKD. This experiment may lay the basis for a way to treat human PKD.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of SPAK By AMPK Links Salt Reabsorption To Energy Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
Excessive salt and energy intake have emerged as major features of the unhealthy fast-food culture. Salt promotes high blood pressure, whereas high energy intakes increase obesity and diabetes. In this study, we aim to determine how energy availability and salt handling are linked in the kidney. This research will lead to new ways to treat high blood pressure by limiting salt reabsorption in the kidney.
Understanding The Mechanistic Basis Of Microalbuminuria In Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,757.00
Summary
The appearance of small amounts of albumin in the urine (microalbuminuria) in people with diabetes is a marker of progressive kidney disease, while microalbuminuria in the general population is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The reason why microalbuminuria develops is poorly understood. This project will investigate dysfunction of kidney tubular cells as the mechanistic basis of microalbuminuria. If proven, this will provide a new link between kidney and cardiovascular disease.
The Role Of Hypoxia In The Developmental Programming Of The Kidney
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,276.00
Summary
We aim to understand how inadequate oxygen supply to the fetus during pregnancy can affect development of the kidney. Many babies do not get enough oxygen whilst developing in the womb. This can be due to a poorly formed placenta or the mother smoking. This can interfere with normal growth and formation of the kidney. Our knowledge may help babies get the best start to life.
To investigate alternative strategies to treat end stage renal disease we have transplanted embryonic kidneys into the wall of the abdominal cavity of adult hosts where they become vascularised and undergo continued but limited development. Strategies to enhance their growth-development and decrease immunogenicity-rejection will now be determined, and the origin of a 'ureter-like' tube of tissue that grows to connect the transplanted embryonic kidney with the recipient bladder investigated.
The Role Of Toll-like Receptors In Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$740,452.00
Summary
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease globally and the No.1 cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation in Australia. We are unsure why kidney scarring and failure develops in people with diabetes. Because of this, we have no specific treatments. Our studies suggest an immune receptor present in the kidney may be important. We aim to see whether absence of these receptors can prevent DN, thus identifying a specific target for treatment.