A new way to identify IgA nephropathy using specific markers
GalNAc-specific measurement of Galactose-deficient IgA1 as a Biomarker for IgA nephropathy
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 ID | NIH-11120925 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients without IgA nephropathy or other kidney conditions related to immune protein deposits would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific diagnostic approach.
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 performed: 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
Birmingham, United States
- Reliant Glycosciences LLC — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szul, Tomasz — Reliant Glycosciences LLC
- Study coordinator: Szul, Tomasz
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 below.