New urine tests to assess kidney health in Fabry disease
Urine podocyte and podocyte GL3: novel screening tools for phenotype assessment and treatment efficacy in Fabry disease
This study is working on a simple urine test to help people with Fabry disease check for kidney damage by looking at important kidney cells and a specific substance, so they can get better care and treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10644824 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing non-invasive urine tests to detect kidney damage in patients with Fabry disease, a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. The study aims to quantify podocytes, which are crucial for kidney function, and measure the accumulation of a specific substance called GL3 in these cells. By using advanced imaging techniques and a specially created cell line, researchers will establish protocols to improve diagnosis and treatment timing for affected individuals. The goal is to enhance patient care by providing better tools for monitoring kidney health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Fabry disease, particularly those experiencing kidney-related symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients without Fabry disease or those who do not have kidney complications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and treatment of kidney complications in Fabry disease patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar non-invasive techniques for monitoring kidney health in various conditions, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Najafian, Behzad — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Najafian, Behzad
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.