Protein Could Prevent Kidney Failure in Alport Syndrome


Scientists from Japan’s Kumamoto University have discovered a protein that puts the brakes on the progression of Alport syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disease that can affect children and young people and often leads to kidney failure. The protein, known as p53, is a tumor suppressor, already targeted by experimental cancer drugs. Using a mouse model … Continue reading Protein Could Prevent Kidney Failure in Alport Syndrome

Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Slow Kidney Disease Progression


Scientists at the Saban Research Institute at The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have shown that stem cells from amniotic fluid can slow kidney disease progression in mice with Alport syndrome. Treating the mice with stem cells prior to the onset of proteinuria improved survival rates, delayed the progression of kidney scarring and lessened the decline … Continue reading Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Slow Kidney Disease Progression

Kidney Stem Cell Breakthrough Provides Tool for Further Research


Australian researchers have discovered how to turn specialized human kidney cells back into generalized cells known as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPS cells. This type of cell reprogramming is a useful tool for studying genetic kidney diseases.  The scientists hope to generate iPS cells from patients with Polycystic Kidney Disease and Alport syndrome; the … Continue reading Kidney Stem Cell Breakthrough Provides Tool for Further Research