Back
Thursday, 21 Mar, 2024

Duke-NUS scientists discover “powerhouse” gene, opening doors to new treatments for kidney disease

Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a gene that plays a crucial role in regulating energy supply to cells that drive kidney failure. This discovery concerning the gene, named WWP2, offers a new target for therapies aimed at mitigating kidney scarring and damage. Published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, the study highlights a new approach for developing treatments and drugs to halt the progression of chronic kidney disease.  

Chronic kidney disease or CKD is a global health concern contributing to high mortality rates worldwide. Singapore is particularly affected, ranking fifth in the world for new cases of kidney failure, with approximately six new patients diagnosed daily1. In the advanced stage of kidney disease, kidney tissue becomes fibrotic, resulting in permanent scarring and irreversible organ damage. This condition often culminates in end-stage kidney failure, for which current treatment options are severely limited. Read more>>


Source: https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/allnews/media-releases/wwp2-kidney-treatment-discovery