BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the lead institution in a multi-site, federally funded study of the genetic risk factors for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with lupus. A nearly $3.35 million Grand Opportunity grant from the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), will create a national consortium to undertake what is known as a genome-wide association study.

End-stage renal disease is a costly complication of lupus, seen much more frequently in African-American patients than those of European descent. Scientists at UAB already have identified two genes thought to be factors in increased risk for ESRD, but believe that additional genes are involved in the genetic susceptibility of African-Americans with lupus.

"The consortium has a substantial head start, building on established networks and clinical research infrastructure already in place'" said Robert P. Kimberly, M.D., director of UAB's Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Autoimmunity Center (CAMAC), professor in the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology (CIR), and principal investigator. "Better understanding of these genetic risk factors may lead to strategies for ESRD intervention, reduce ethnic disparities in health outcomes and enable substantial cost savings in the health-care industry."

Kimberly says advances in technology have overcome limitations in genotyping and make the study feasible. The collaboration engaging multiple research institutions will accelerate the scientific discovery progress by bringing together the large number of study participants needed.

"We have assembled an unprecedented team of rheumatologists, nephrologists and statistical geneticists with active research protocols, clinical studies infrastructure in place, and data collection already has begun," said Kimberly. "This gives us an unique opportunity to address a major health-care challenge."

In addition to the CAMAC, CIR and the Nephrology Research Center at UAB, other schools participating in the consortium are Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Medical University of South Carolina, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, University of Florida and Wake Forest University.

About the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Autoimmunity Center

The internationally recognized Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Autoimmunity Center is dedicated to generating new understanding and applying all knowledge to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with arthritis, musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. This charge includes integrating and promoting fundamental research with clinical care, developing and applying new diagnostics and therapeutics, educating the public about arthritis, musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases and training future investigators and health-care professionals. 

About the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology

The internationally recognized Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology is dedicated to pursuing new knowledge and translating research findings into more effective diagnosis and treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases.

About the Nephrology Research and Training Center

The Nephrology Research and Training Center is committed to providing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary infrastructure and environment to support the kidney-related research continuum - from molecular pathways to model systems to man - by focusing on experimental strategies that integrate basic concepts and clinical insights into translational research and community outreach.

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