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Focal Segmental GlomeruloSclerosis (FSGS) is
a disorder in the blood-filtering parts of the kidney called
the glomeruli. Focal and segmental refer to
the pattern of damage to the glomerulus and glomerulosclerosis
refers to the damage or scarring (sclerosis) of the glomerulus.
Specifically, focal refers to patches within the kidney
that are affected and segmental indicates that only
a portion of the glomerulus is affected. FSGS damages the
glomerulus and allows protein to leak into the urine (proteinuria).
Over time, the damage to the kidney may cause kidney failure.
FSGS is only one of many causes of kidney failure or end-stage
renal disease (ESRD).
Most people affected by FSGS do NOT have a family history
of kidney disease. Recently we have identified a large number
of families from all over the world with two or more family
members with FSGS. This is considered familial FSGS.
We are now engaged in genetic studies to determine why this
cause of kidney failure runs in families (familial FSGS).
By studying families with this disorder, we hope to identify
the gene or genes responsible for the disease and determine
why these genes are different in people with familial FSGS.
We hope that finding the genetic causes of FSGS will eventually
lead to prevention and better treatment.
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A research team at the Duke Center for Human Genetics (CHG) has discovered a gene responsible for one form of chronic kidney disease. The disease, called familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, can lead to complete kidney failure and affects 20 percent of patients on dialysis...more...
The research team at the Duke Center for Human
Genetics has made progress in the search for genes
that causes familial FSGS by using linkage analysis on families
that have two or more individuals affected by FSGS. This is
done by testing many different markers
on each chromosome.
These markers have different forms called alleles. An individual
has two alleles for each chromosomes, having inherited one
allele from each parent. Linkage analysis is used to find
those markers in which the same alleles are shared by all
the FSGS affected individuals in a family. Since the chromosomal
location of the shared marker is known, we are able to determine
the chromosomal location of the disorder that is being studied,
in this case, FSGS. Our linkage analysis has indicated that
one form of FSGS is located on chromosome 11. Further research
will help to identify the exact location of the gene. Families
with affected and unaffected members are necessary to successfully
accomplish this work. We are also recruiting individuals with
FSGS who do not have a family history of the disease.
A project of this magnitude requires the efforts of many individuals. Experienced CHG researchers, with the help of interested families, continue the search for the genes that cause familial FSGS.
FSGS Study Team
| Michelle P. Winn, MD |
|
Principal Investigator |
| Rasheed Gbadegesin |
|
Investigator |
| Guanghong Wu |
|
Research Analyst |
| Alison Homstad |
|
Research Tech II |
| Thomas Lindsey |
|
Research Tech II |
| Gentzon Hall |
|
Post-Doctoral Fellow |
| Andrew Malone |
|
Post-Doctoral Fellow |
Although Dr. Peter J. Conlon has returned to Ireland, he continues his FSGS research collaboration with the Center for Human Genetics
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As CHG researchers continue to define the genetic causes of FSGS, they publish their findings in leading academic journals and share their knowledge with colleagues at meetings and conferences.
FSGS Research Publications
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The Duke CHG is actively recruiting individuals with AND without a family history of FSGS. Participating families will be asked to contribute the following items of information to the study:
- A family history interview conducted over the telephone
- A detailed medical history
- A blood sample from all participating family members
- A urine sample from all participating family members
Once blood samples are received in the laboratory, the genetic material (DNA) is removed the white blood cells. The DNA is used to compare the DNA from individuals affected by FSGS with individuals who are not affected by FSGS. The urine sample will be tested for protein. Finding protein in the urine (proteinuria) helps to identify individuals who may be in the early stages of FSGS but who have not yet had any kidney problems.
No individual or family-specific genetic results will be given to study participants. We will share our overall findings with families through periodic newsletters and scientific publications. If a research breakthrough or a genetic test becomes available, we will notify participants.
This research will not give a result in the short term, but we hope that in the next few years the research will allow us to better understand the cause of renal failure, allow us to diagnose it earlier, and develop new treatments to prevent it.
Center for Human Genetics Contact:
FSGS
Study Coordinator
Phone: 919-684-0038 or 919-681-5543
E-mail: fsgs@chg.duhs.duke.edu
This study is funded by grants from the National Kidney Foundation and the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
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 News
about FSGS Research, Summer 2005.
To obtain a print copy, contact:
FSGS
Study Coordinator
Phone: 919-684-0038 or 919-681-5543
E-mail: fsgs@chg.duhs.duke.edu
Support Organizations
National
Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
Phone:(212) 689-2210
Phone:(toll free) (800) 622-9010
Fax: (212) 689-9261
American
Kidney Fund
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone:(410) 881-3052
Phone: (toll free) (800) 638-8299
American
Association of Kidney Patients
111 South Ashley Drive, #280
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 223-7099
Phone: (toll free) (800) 749-2257
Fax: (813) 223-0001
Positive Renal Outreach Program (PROP)
PO Box 32
Maryknoll, NY 10545-0032
Phone: (914)739-6436
National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK)
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
(NDUDIC)
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
Phone:(301) 654-4415
Fax: (301) 907-8906
The NephCure Foundation
15 Waterloo Avenue, Suite 200
Berwyn, PA 19312
Phone: (610) 540 - 0186
Fax: (610) 540 - 0190
Web Site: www.nephcure.org
Email: mlong@nephcure.org
Other FSGS Links
Pediatric Health Encyclopedia
Renal Net
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