Diagnostic Biomarkers of Kidney Transplant Dysfunction
Abstract (Set) Johns Hopkins University is currently seeking licensees for a panel of biomarkers for kidney transplant dysfunction. Kidneys are the most frequently transplanted organ in the U.S. Kidney transplant recipients can experience a variety of problems including delayed graft function and acute tubular necrosis, which is a very common form of kidney injury. Small and often undetectable rejection events lead to long-term renal problems. Notably, ~6% of donor kidney recipients need dialysis within two years. Current diagnostic methods can give inaccurate results of kidney function which could delay proper treatment. A reliable early detection test for kidney inflammation and dysfunction is needed. JHU scientists determined that increases in levels of at least eight proteins correlated with kidney problems after transplant. Detection of multiple serum and urine biomarkers may provide a more accurate means for detecting acute tubular necrosis and monitoring delayed graft function to provide early treatment and prevention of acute renal failure or need for dialysis. Description (Set) JHU scientists screened patient samples with known delayed graft function (DGF) and acute tubular necrosis conditions for inflammatory protein expression. JHU scientists were able to determine at least eight proteins that were significantly elevated in serum or urine of patients with DGF compared to transplant patients without DGF. Four inflammatory proteins were significantly elevated in serum or urine of patients with acute tubular necrosis. Changes in the levels of select inflammatory proteins could be predictive of these conditions and address an unmet need for early, accurate biomarkers. ? Multiple protein biomarkers may provide more accurate diagnosis or prognosis for acute kidney failure than individual renal biomarkers and allow early therapeutic intervention to prevent need for dialysis. ? Detection in blood or urine would allow a less invasive diagnostic test than known renal biopsies for cheaper, easier screening methods. Proposed Use (Set) Applications• Development of kit to easily diagnose acute tubular necrosis and predict delayed graft function in at-risk kidney transplant patients.
• Diagnostic screen for ischemic and toxic acute injury to native kidneys.
• Development of therapeutics based on biomarkers as targets.
Inventor(s): Rabb, Hamid,Alachkar, Nada,Ugarte, Richard
Type of Offer: Licensing
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