Kidney injury as a determinant of macrophage phenotype and efficacy for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Yiping Wang (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Harris

Brief description Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and disability in the Australian population. Current treatments for CKD are non-specific and frequently ineffective. As a consequence, kidney failure progresses to the stage where patients require dialysis or tranplantation to remain alive. Every year more than 1700 Australians require kidney replacement therapy for this reason and many more die of kidney failure or its complications. Macrophage infiltration of kidneys is characteristic of CKD, and it has been assumed that macrophages cause damage. However, we have shown that certain types of macrophages can reduce kidney damage. This project will explore whether macrophage type can be switched from that causing damage to that reducing injury, with the aim of using this approach to treat CKD.

Funding Amount $AUD 548,341.71

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant