Zen Abrera-Abeleda - Dense Deposit Disease (MPGNII)

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Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis 2 (MPGN2) or Dense Deposit disease (DDD) is a complex and rare disease affecting children and leading to end stage renal disease. It has been associated with the alternative pathway of the complement system. Our hypothesis is that the pathophysiologic basis of the development of MPGN2/DDD is due to the uncontrolled activation of the complement cascade leading to damage of host tissues. The goals for this project are to understand the role of the components of the alternative pathway of the complement system in the development of MPGN2/DDD by identifying allele variants, evaluating gene expression levels and determining changes in the activity and function of specific complement proteins. The long-term goal is to develop an effective treatment for MPGN2/DDD patients.