\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ specialty=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ transparent_background=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax__hover=”off” parallax_method=”off” parallax_method__hover=”off”][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_1″ show_border=”off” admin_label=”Left Nav Sidebar” module_id=”left-nav-menu” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ remove_border=”on”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax__hover=”off” parallax_method=”off” parallax_method__hover=”off”][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax__hover=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_method__hover=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title and intro paragraph” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
Researchers<\/h1>\n
The diagnosis and treatment of Alport syndrome has improved in the last decade. However, more progress is urgently needed. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Jump links” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n
On this page:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Hub projects<\/a><\/li>\n
- Hub collaborator projects<\/a><\/li>\n
- Funding for researchers <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/alport-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/416\/2025\/05\/Researchers-pipette.png” admin_label=”Image banner 2″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text title Hub” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hub projects<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Preclinical testing of potential therapies:<\/b> Working with external collaborators to test new therapies for Alport syndrome in our range of experimental systems.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Matrix biomarkers in Alport mice and patients:<\/b> Aiming to improve the biomarkers we use for monitoring the progression of kidney disease in Alport syndrome.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Human kidney organoids:<\/b> How do the kidney filters form? Using human kidney organoids to understand how matrix proteins like collagen help to form the blood filters in the kidney.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
\n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Hub collaborators” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
Hub collaborator projects<\/h2>\n
New projects are funded by an annual application round, peer reviewed through\u202fKidney Research UK.<\/p>\n
Renal glycosaminoglycans in Alport syndrome and pregnancy\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Arkill lab (University of Nottingham)\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Background<\/h5>\n
Proteinuria is the presence of amount of protein, typically albumin, in the urine. When a healthy individual is pregnant their proteinuria typically doubles. However, in an Alport syndrome patient this can increase ten-fold. There remains limited understanding of why this exacerbated change occurs and how it impacts renal function long term.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Project aims<\/h5>\n
This project aims to explore the potential role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in this time specific change in proteinuria. GAGs are linear carbohydrate chains that are known modulators of vascular filtration and have been implemented in a range of diseases including diabetes and sepsis, both of which also present clinically with proteinuria.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Understanding how GAGs are altered in Alport syndrome and during pregnancy may provide critical insights into disease progression and opportunities for earlier diagnosis and targeted intervention.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/alport-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/416\/2025\/05\/Researchers-kidney-glomerulus.png” admin_label=”Image Banner 3 : Kidney” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Collaborators continnued..” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
Techniques<\/h5>\n
The project will utilise new imaging technique \u2013 3D Orbi-SIMS which has been developed for GAG analysis by the project\u2019s postdoctoral researcher Dr Lorna Milne during their PhD. The imaging mass spectrometry method enables high spatial resolution imaging and high mass resolution compositional analysis, overcoming many limitations of conventional laboratory techniques for analysing GAGs such as antibody tagging.<\/p>\n
Impact<\/h5>\n
Through analysis of GAGs in individual glomeruli, the project aims to characterize molecular alterations in the glomerular filtration barrier during Alport syndrome and pregnancy including human bio-banked samples. The study will provide foundation understanding to inform alternative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.<\/p>\n
Alport hearing loss research project – Jagger lab (UCL)<\/a>\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Project aims\u00a0<\/h5>\n
This collaborative project aims towards a better understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie hearing loss in Alport syndrome.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
We do not really know why hearing loss in Alport syndrome arises. Without that detailed information we cannot begin to design therapies that can slow or prevent hearing loss.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
A more detailed picture of the time-course of degeneration will allow us to identify an optimum therapeutic \u201cwindow of opportunity\u201d. Identification of the specific cell types involved in collagen production and secretion means we will know which to target in future genetic therapies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/alport-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/416\/2025\/05\/Researchers-cochlea.png” admin_label=”Image banner 3 Fluorescent image of the cochlea a part of the inner ear involved in hearing)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Collaborators continnued 2 ..” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
Background\u00a0<\/h5>\n
The need for this study and our primary aims have been shaped by our conversations with patients over a number of years. Both at Alport Syndrome Alliance workshops and Alport UK patient information days.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
One consistent concern is a perceived scientific\/clinical neglect of the hearing component of the disease relative to the kidney problems. Some Alport patients have the deafness element of the syndrome but show no signs of kidney disease.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Impact\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Several patients have commented, in common with other deaf people, that despite using hearing aids their quality of life remains seriously impacted. Hearing aids are not a cure-all for their deafness, and they strongly hope for additional therapeutic intervention to improve their hearing performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
\n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Title: Funding” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
Funding for researchers<\/h2>\n
We welcome applications for a research project related to Alport syndrome for up to \u00a3250k over a maximum of three years.<\/p>\n
What we look for\u00a0<\/h3>\n
- \n
- You have an interest in Alport syndrome, affecting kidneys, hearing or sight.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Your research will have the potential to help our understanding and transform the outcomes for Alport patients.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- You may already be planning or doing research into Alport syndrome or your research may support and be translatable to Alport Syndrome.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If any of these apply to you, we want to hear from you.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Your idea may be the next research project to align with the UK Hub. Your research would be funded as the next exciting project and led by you, from your institution whilst being collaboratively linked with the UK hub.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Application dates\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Dates for the 2025 round will appear here.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How to apply\u00a0<\/h3>\n
All applicants must be resident in the United Kingdom and the research must be led from a UK establishment. However, we strongly encourage international collaboration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you are interested in setting up a new project, please contact:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rachel Lennon<\/b>\u00a0
Email:\u202frachel.lennon@manchester.ac.uk<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\nHow we assess submissions\u00a0<\/h3>\n
All submissions to this call will be subject to expert review involving members of our Research Grants Committee and Lay Advisory Group and both scientific and lay external reviewers.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.kidneyresearchuk.org\/research\/research-grants\/grant-application-process\/” button_text=”Information about the expert review process” admin_label=”Button: Information about the expert review process” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Title: Funding 2″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
Patient voice\u00a0<\/h4>\n
The patient voice is at the centre of everything at Kidney Research UK and Alport UK. Patients are members on the strategic advisory board for the Stoneygate and Kidney Research UK Alport Research Hub and will be involved in all decision making for future hub projects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you are designing a study and would like help with patient input, or if you are a patient who would like to get involved in research, please visit\u202fKidney Research UK<\/a> email\u202fpatients@kidneyresearchuk.org<\/a>.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
Further information\u00a0<\/h3>\n
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Elaine Davies\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0
Tel: 01733 367835\u00a0
Email:\u202felainedavies@kidneyresearchuk.org<\/a>\u202f<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
\n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Connect Title” module_class=”footer-section” _builder_version=”3.0.90″ background_color=”#1d1d1d” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_module=”380″][et_pb_row parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” admin_label=”row” module_id=”footer-row” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us Title” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark”]<\/p>\n
Contact Us<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us” module_class=”contact-us” _builder_version=”3.0.87″ text_text_color=”#aaaaaa” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n
+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Find Us Title” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark”]<\/p>\n
Find Us<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Address” module_id=”address” _builder_version=”3.0.87″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n
The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Connect Title” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark”]<\/p>\n
Connect With Us<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Social Media” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
- <\/pee><\/p>\n
-
![\"Twitter](\"\/\/assets.manchester.ac.uk\/phase1\/templates\/images\/icon-twitter-50.png\")
<\/a><\/li>\n
-
- You may already be planning or doing research into Alport syndrome or your research may support and be translatable to Alport Syndrome.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Your research will have the potential to help our understanding and transform the outcomes for Alport patients.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Matrix biomarkers in Alport mice and patients:<\/b> Aiming to improve the biomarkers we use for monitoring the progression of kidney disease in Alport syndrome.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Hub collaborator projects<\/a><\/li>\n