New research project focuses on rare kidney disease

Symbolic picture for the article. The link opens the image in a large view.
Image of a renal corpuscle from the kidney of a zebra fish: the cells affected by the disease FSGS, podocytes, are yellow. Image: FAU/laboratory of Schiffer’s working group
July 24, 2019

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has granted 400,000 euros in funding for a period of three years for a new research project at FAU on the rare kidney disease focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

FSGS is a rare condition which affects an estimated 2,000 people in Germany. It is triggered by a factor circulating in the blood which has not yet been identified and/or genetic mutations. The disease often leads to an irreversible loss of renal function and life-long need for dialysis. The STOP FSGS research network was launched a little over three years ago with the objective of addressing several key questions regarding the pathogenesis and diagnosis of the primary FSGS, as well as finding new approaches for treating the disease. The research project at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen which has now received funding focuses on an innovative zebra fish model. Scientists want to test the mode of action of various factors triggering the disease. The aim is to transfer the results to clinical practice without delay.

The research network STOP FSGS includes Prof. Dr. Mario Schiffer, Chair of Internal Medicine IV and Head of Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension, researchers from RWTH Aachen, Greifswald University hospital and the University of Freiburg.

Further information:

Prof. Dr. Mario Schiffer
Phone: +49 9131 85 39002
mario.schiffer@uk-erlangen.de