The Gharavi lab is pursuing multiple local and multicenter studies to investigate the
genetic causes of kidney diseases. We are also conducting several genetic studies generated through
the Precision Medicine Initiative. In
particular, we are currently enrolling participants in the following studies:
- CureGN study: We are a major site for the
CureGN study, an NIH-funded multicenter
five-year cohort study of IgA nephropathy, Focal Segmental
Glomerulosclerosis, Minimal Change Disease and Membranous nephropathy.
We will follow patients longitudinally to better understand the causes
of disease, response to therapy, and disease progression, with the
ultimate objective to cure glomerulopathies.
- Genetics of Chronic Kidney Diseases: The goal of this study is to identify
genetic factors predisposing to any kind of chronic kidney diseases. Following an initial focus
on IgA
nephropathy, Congenital
abnormalities of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT) and
Vescicouretral reflux (VUR), we will be expanding our areas of
interests to a broader spectrum of kidney diseases. This includes any type of glomerular
diseases and tubulo-interstitial kidney disease. We are also one of the few centers across the
world investigating the pathogenesis of the C3 glomerulopathy
and Dense Deposit Disease (DDD), a sub-type of membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN).
- eMERGE Study: The
Electronic Medical Records and
Genomics (eMERGE) network is a national consortium organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The
primary goal of the eMERGE Network is to develop, disseminate, and apply approaches to research
that combine sample biobanking with electronic medical record systems to improve the discovery
of genetic diseases and the implementation of genetic discovery into clinical practice.
- All of Us:
The All of Us Research Program is a national effort to uncover paths toward delivering precision
medicine by studying one million or more people living in the United States. All of Us aims to
accelerate research and improve health by taking into account individual differences in lifestyle,
environment, and biology.
All of the aforementioned studies are NIH-funded.
Eligibility
We would like to invite you, your child, or another family member for our study if you have been
diagnosed with any kind of kidney
disease, in particular if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Positive family history of kidney disease
- Diagnosis of kidney disease at a young age
- Kidney disease of unknown origin
- Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT) and Vescicouretral
reflux (VUR)
- IgAN Nephropathy or Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
- Nephrotic syndrome
- C3 glomerulopathy (C3GN), Dense Deposit Disease (DDD) or membrano-proliferative
glomerulonephritis (MPGN)
A signed consent form and a blood sample are required to participate in any of the above studies.
Samples can be collected during an in-person appointment or can be shipped to our lab. Also as a
part of our studies, we offer free clinic consultations for familial forms of kidney disease.
If you are interested in participating in our studies or have any questions, please contact our
project coordinator Maddalena Marasa:
Maddalena Marasa, MD
1150 St. Nicholas Avenue, Rm 413
New York, NY. 10032
email: mm4440@cumc.columbia.edu
phone: 212-851-4927
