Molekulargenetik der diabetischen Nephropathie

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Tom H. Lindner
• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 1999 to 2007
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5187914

The 4D (Die Deutsche Diabetiker Dialysestudie) Study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, trial of atorvastatin and placebo in 1200 type 2 diabetic dialysis patients in centers throughout Germany. The study will test the hypothesis that survival on dialysis can be prolonged by atorvastatin treatment. The study is funded, enrollment will begin in early 1998, and anticipated completion will be in 2001. An impressive body of evidence exists supporting the notion that nephropathy is genetically influenced, independent of diabetes; however, information on such genes and their gene loci is scant. We propose to use the unique opportunity provided by the 4D study to test the hypothesis that specific genes, independent of type 2 diabetes, play a role in the susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy. We will recruit all first-degree relatives of patients having siblings, who participate in the 4D study. We will phenotype these relatives in terms of diabetes and nephropathy. We will then evaluate candidate genes and perform a linkage analysis (total genome scan) to identify gene loci relevant to the development of nephropathy. Our findings may elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the commonest cause of end-stage renal disease in Germany.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Friedrich C. Luft; Professor Dr. Ulrich Walter; Privatdozent Dr. Christoph Wanner