Research Focus/Goals

Note:   The following is subject to change.

NephCure’s research focus is two-pronged with support directed towards:

• Understanding the cause and mechanics of glomerular disease, with particular emphasis on idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome and primary FSGS.  Consideration will be given to work on all forms of idiopathic glomerular disease if this work addresses mechanisms common to glomerular disease.    
• Exploring specific translational and therapeutic approaches that will lead to the development of treatments for glomerular disease and proteinuria. 

In addition to continuing to support basic science research in this area, NephCure hopes to accelerate future research efforts by placing a stronger emphasis on translational and clinical research.  NephCure also seeks to fund discovery work to help identify novel approaches for drug development, albeit on a small scale.  To aid future clinical trial recruitment, NephCure is aggressively building its patient registry. We currently have records for over 2,000 families and patients, of which half have completed a medical and quality of life survey. While grant applicants are encouraged to submit applications in the following areas of study as it pertains to glomerular disease, other areas and novel ideas are welcome.  

• Glomerular and podocyte structure, function , and mechanism of action in normal physiology
• Genetics as pertains to glomerular disease
• Recurrent FSGS
• Biomarkers of FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome
• Treatment of FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome
• Registry expansion

Applications should be investigator initiated in response to this request for proposals.

Applications should not overlap in scientific content or in budget with grants from other organizations.  However, Nephcure will consider applications that propose cooperation with the NIH and/or other organizations. If the latter is to be proposed, applicants should discuss this intention with NephCure staff well in advance of the submission deadline.