Role of growth and transcription factors in tubulointerstitial injury in diabetes [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Mark Cooper (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Phillip Kantharidis ,  Dr Zemin Cao ,  Prof Stephen Twigg

Brief description Progressive kidney disease occurs as a result of a range of molecular and cellular pathways. One of the commonest causes of kidney disease is diabetes and this appears to be partly related to increased expression and action of certain growth factors such as CTGF. These factors promote the deposition of scar tissue in the kidney and one of the ways these promote this scarring is to change a cell s behaviour so that it now lays down collagen. This proposal will not only focus on how CTGF promotes scarring but will explore 2 novel factors called Snail and Slug which can act directly on particular genes such as CTGF to inhibit these deleterious effects. By further characterising these pathways involving Snail, Slug and CTGF in the kidney it will be possible to generate new targets and therapies for various forms of progressive kidney disease including diabetic kidney disease.

Funding Amount $AUD 454,023.48

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant