Do you have kidney disease and type 1 diabetes? Recruiters at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston are looking for people who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes diagnosed before age 31 who have a clinical diagnosis of kidney disease—including proteinuria, dialysis, or kidney transplant—and who have at least one other diabetic sibling with no kidney complications.

Joslin scientists are searching for genetic components that may make some people with Type 1 diabetes more susceptible to kidney complications. Dr. Andrzej Krolewski and his team of investigators have over a decade of experience researching diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy), and in this time have found strong evidence that genetics plays a role in who will develop nephropathy and who will not.

Diabetic nephropathy affects about one-third of people with diabetes, and is caused by a combination of clinical factors (such as blood sugar control and high blood pressure) and inherited factors. Nephropathy often first manifests as protein spilled into the urine, and may progress to end-stage renal disease, which must be treated by dialysis or kidney transplant. By identifying a genetic link, doctors hope to be able to more effectively treat and prevent nephropathy. Dr. Krolewski's research project, entitled the Joslin Kidney Study, aims to locate such a link.

Dr. Krolewski's group has made great progress in narrowing down regions of DNA where a gene or genes causing greater susceptibility to kidney complications may be found. This is due in part to the many advances in molecular technology over the past few years. However, Dr. Krolewski is quick to emphasize that the most important component of this project is the cooperation of patients with diabetes and their families, without whom the research could not continue.

"Each additional family who participates in the Joslin Kidney Study increases the chances of finding genes responsible for diabetic nephropathy," states Dr. Krolewski. Working together with Dr. Mark Williams, a kidney specialist at the Joslin Clinic, Dr. Krolewski and his team are currently recruiting participants for the Joslin Kidney Study.

Distance is no object in the Joslin Kidney Study, as people from all over the world may participate. The study protocol consists of one-time participation and involves a short interview regarding family history and health, blood pressure measurements, and a blood sample collection. In return, participants receive compensation for their time, and assurance that the confidentiality of all information will be protected.

For more information about the Joslin Kidney Study, or to see if your family qualifies, please call Project Manager Kellie Anderson, toll-free, at (877) 264-2739 or via e-mail at [email protected] . Most Recent Update: September 14, 1999