Identifying different types of nephrotic syndrome using blood cell DNA

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney condition that causes large amounts of protein to leak into the urine. It can affect both children and adults. It can lead to kidney failure and a lifelong need for dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant. For some people, nephrotic syndrome can return in the kidney transplant.  

Nephrotic syndrome can be caused by a range of problems with the kidney’s filtering system. Research suggests that there are four different types of nephrotic syndrome and each type responds differently to the available treatment options.  

Project aims

We want to find blood cell DNA signatures of the different types of nephrotic syndrome. This could help identify which type of nephrotic syndrome a patient has and lead to more personalised treatment. 

Looking at the differences in blood cell DNA could also shed light on how nephrotic syndrome develops, which may lead to the development of new treatments. 

What we hope to achieve

This work could improve nephrotic syndrome treatment by identifying which subtype a person has, allowing treatment to be tailored to the patient.