A new way to identify IgA nephropathy using specific markers
Official title: GalNAc-specific measurement of Galactose-deficient IgA1 as a Biomarker for IgA nephropathy
Funded at Reliant Glycosciences LLC · NIH-11120925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to create better blood tests for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, by looking for specific immune markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Reliant Glycosciences LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $953,146 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK139874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for IgA nephropathy, particularly those whose disease progression or treatment response needs more precise tracking, would be ideal candidates for future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IgA nephropathy or other kidney conditions related to immune protein deposits would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific diagnostic approach.
What this research studies
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure when certain immune proteins, called IgA1, build up in the kidneys. This buildup often happens because these IgA1 proteins are missing a specific sugar molecule and are then attacked by other immune proteins. Current methods to track IgAN, such as measuring protein in urine, are not always precise enough for developing new treatments. This project is developing new, more accurate blood tests to find these specific IgA1 proteins and related immune responses. These advanced tests could help doctors diagnose IgAN earlier and track how well treatments are working.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide more accurate and earlier diagnosis of IgA nephropathy and improve how treatment effectiveness is monitored in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified the key immune markers involved in IgA nephropathy, and preliminary assays for these markers have shown promise in patient samples.
Where this research is happening
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Reliant Glycosciences LLC
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szul, Tomasz — Reliant Glycosciences LLC
- Study coordinator: Szul, Tomasz
Related research
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Understanding how IgA1 immune complexes cause kidney disease in Berger’s disease
This grant studies the specific features of abnormal IgA1 immune complexes that drive kidney damage in IgA nephropathy to pave the way for better diagnosis and treatment.
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Genetics of IgA nephropathy through network-based genetic links
A study to understand why some people develop IgA nephropathy by looking at how our genes and immune system networks contribute to the disease.
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B cells that make abnormal IgA1 in IgA kidney disease
Researchers are identifying a group of B cells that produce a harmful form of IgA1 in people with IgA nephropathy to help guide future treatments.
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Genetic drivers of IgA (Berger's) kidney disease
This project looks for gene changes that make people more likely to get IgA (Berger's) kidney disease.
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Identifying specific B cells linked to a kidney disease called IgA nephropathy
This study is looking at a special type of immune cell that makes a form of IgA linked to IgA nephropathy, to better understand how it contributes to kidney problems, with the hope of finding new treatments for people with this condition.
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Investigating how EBV infection affects racial differences in IgA nephropathy
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus might be linked to IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, and it wants to understand why this condition affects some racial groups more than others, so if you're a patient, you might be asked to share a blood sample and some health details to help with this important rese
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.