IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis in the world. Because of its frequently unfavorable cou7rse and lack of specific therapy, IgAN represents a serious healthy care and economic problem. The overall objective of the proposed Program Project is to determine the genetic and molecular basis of this common disease through integrated studies of patients with IgAN or Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), commonly considered the systemic form of the disease process causing IgAN. We will enroll 20 multiplex families with 50 member5s afflicted with IgAN or HSP and 150 other family members; 150 Caucasian patients with sporadic IgAN (no affected relatives) and 375 of their family members, 50 patients with HSP and 125 of their relatives, 50 African-American patients with IgAN and 200 family members, 50 patients with non-IgAN glomerulonephritis, and 200 Caucasians and 100 African-Americans as health controls. This proposal is based on novel findings generated in the laboratories of the participating investigators, with respect to genetic, biosynthetic, and metabolic studies of IgA molecules, immune complexes, and relevant receptors involved in IgA catabolism. The Program Project consists of three component research project and two core facilities: Project 1: Genetic Studies of IgA Nephropathy Project 2: Biosynthesis and Glycosylation of IgA1 Molecules in IgA Nephropathy Project 3: Immune Complexes and Mesangial Cells in IgA Nephropathy Core A: Clinical Resources and Biostatistics Core B: Administrative The results generated through extensive collaboration among the participating investigators are likely to provide information concerning the genetic and molecular defects characteristic of IgAN, identify mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this disease, and ultimately provide a basis to develop rational therapeutic approaches.
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