Glycoprotein urine markers that signal lupus nephritis treatment response
Official title: Spatial-omic derived glycoproteomic urine biomarkers of lupus nephritis treatment response
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11550186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A novel test uses urine glycoprotein patterns to show how well lupus nephritis is responding to standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $544,519 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK148971-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11550186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with lupus nephritis undergoing standard-of-care therapy (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil) with available longitudinal urine samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing a biomarker-guided treatment approach or without serial urine samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses urine and serum samples from lupus patients to identify glycoprotein signals that reflect treatment response. Researchers apply mass spectrometry imaging to map N-glycans and glycoproteins over time in patients receiving standard therapy, with a focus on those with more severe LN. The goal is to create biomarkers that help clinicians decide whether current treatment is working and when to adjust therapy. The study builds on existing lupus biorepositories and collaborations with a nephrology team at the Medical University of South Carolina. If successful, these biomarkers could guide personalized treatment decisions for LN patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with lupus nephritis could receive faster, more tailored treatment adjustments based on urine biomarkers.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary glycan-based urine markers have shown promise, but this project extends to spatial glycomic profiling and treatment-response prediction.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drake, Richard R. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Drake, Richard R.
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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.