Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem that affects millions of people around the world.
Even though it’s common, doctors still don’t fully understand why kidney damage keeps getting worse over time. But a new study from Boston University might change that.
Scientists at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have found a gene that could play a key role in protecting the kidneys. The gene is called TMIGD1, and it may help explain how kidney damage happens—and how we might stop it.
Dr. Vipul Chitalia, one of the lead researchers, said that this gene’s role in kidney failure is a brand-new discovery. The team used lab experiments and cell models to study what happens when the TMIGD1 gene is turned off. They found that when this gene doesn’t work properly, the kidneys are more likely to get hurt.
The study also looked at toxins that build up in the body during kidney disease. These harmful substances can make the kidneys even weaker by interfering with the TMIGD1 gene. This leads to even more damage and poorer kidney function.
Why is this important? Knowing that the TMIGD1 gene helps protect the kidneys gives researchers a new target for treatment. Dr. Wenqing Yin, another researcher on the team, said that this gene could be used both to treat kidney disease and to find it earlier through better screening.
The hope is that this discovery will lead to new treatments that can stop or slow down kidney damage. Right now, people with advanced kidney disease often need dialysis to survive. If new medicines can be made to protect the TMIGD1 gene or fix the problems it causes, fewer people might reach that point.
This gene could also help doctors find kidney problems sooner. Early detection gives patients a better chance to slow the disease before it gets worse.
In short, this exciting research opens the door to better ways of understanding, diagnosing, and treating chronic kidney disease. It’s a step forward in the fight to protect kidney health and improve the lives of those affected.
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