About UKRO and the KRC
UKRO is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit charity founded in 2002 by entertainment lawyer Kenneth Kleinberg with the help of Dr. Vito M. Campese, then Professor and Chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Our mission is fundraising to support medical research and education related to the causes, treatment, and eradication of all forms of kidney disease.Since 2002, UKRO has raised significant dollars to fund cutting-edge research at the earliest stage of development, in addition to educational symposia and fellowships. Our special project grants have been awarded to nationally recognized experts from interdisciplinary labs at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, City of Hope, and UCLA.
We believe that collaboration among scientists working in a variety of fields is the key to understanding chronic kidney disease, discovering improved therapies, and finding a much-needed cure. To that end, in September 2012, UKRO entered into an agreement with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California to establish what we envision as a a premier center nationally for kidney research—the USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center (KRC). We have made an initial $3.5 million pledge to support the establishment of the KRC, which officially opened in 2015. UKRO’s gift will be matched by equivalent contributions from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Led by Kenneth Hallows, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.S.N., the research team at the KRC is exploring acute kidney injury, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, acid regulation, kidney cancer, and more.
The Chronic Kidney Disease Crisis
Chronic kidney disease affects the general population, but is particularly prevalent among African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease. Left untreated, kidney disease can lead to permanent damage and kidney failure. It is imperative that we protect our kidney health.
Shop While You Give!
UKRO and Goodshop have partnered to help you do more good with each purchase you make. Every time you shop online, part of what you spend through Goodshop will be donated towards helping fund kidney research; at no extra cost to you. Sign up and choose our cause to start shopping, raising money, and saving with gift deals at Edible Arrangements , clothing discounts at Old Navy, discounts on flowers at Pro Flowers, and 100,000+ other online deals.
New Research Findings on Diabetic Kidney Disease
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that though diabetic kidney disease rates have remained fairly stable in the U.S., the disease has changed course. While researchers found a lower prevalence of albuminuria, they were perplexed to find an increase in reduced kidney function. – U.S. Diabetic Kidney Disease Rate Unchanged…
New Kidney Stone Treatment Breakthrough
Research from a team of investigators, including University of Houston scientists, could lead to a new treatment to prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones. HCA (hydroxycitrate), a natural fruit extract available as a supplement, could represent the first breakthrough in decades, with the potential to not only stop the growth of calcium oxalate crystals, but…
DASH Diet for Blood Pressure Protects Kidneys, Too
New research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that the DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure, also reduces the risk of kidney disease. The DASH diet (short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is known to help with weight loss, heart health and chronic…
D-Amino Acids May Give Clues to Kidney Disease Progression
Japanese researchers from Osaka and Kyushu Universities have uncovered biomarkers that could identify chronic kidney disease patients at risk of progressing to kidney failure. Earlier studies have found a correlation between kidney function and D-amino acids. These somewhat elusive mirror images of L-amino acids have been found in trace amounts in…
Early Warning Sign of Kidney Injury Found in Kids
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School have found high levels of toxins and a kidney injury biomarker in children in Mexico exposed to contaminated water. Urine samples of 107 children revealed arsenic and chromium at extremely high levels, well above the safety limits for adults. The arsenic probably came from…
Computer Modeling Points to New Drug Target for PKD
Researchers from Indiana University have made important discoveries about PKD cyst formation using virtual tissue technology. Building a virtual nephron, the scientists used computer simulation to show that PKD gene mutations caused errors in cell adhesion. When cells failed to stick together, they formed mushroom-shaped cysts. When cells stuck together,…