Chronic Kidney Diseases of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium - SDCC

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT A growing number of geographically diverse regions around the world report increasing rates of chronic kidney disease of uncertain or unknown etiology (CKDu), a life-threatening condition not attributable to traditional chronic kidney disease risk factors. Yet, the etiology of CKDu remains unclear and data are lacking on CKDu progression, biological manifestations, genetic determinants, and risk factors that may explain regional variations. To address these challenges, the National Institutes of Health has formed the Chronic Kidney Diseases of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium. The Consortium will develop a harmonized study protocol that can be implemented in multiple endemic regions to understand the etiologies of CKDu and disease progression and to identify potential therapeutic targets and public health interventions. RTI International and Boston University along with our partners from Harvard University, National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, University of Colorado, and Stanford University, propose to establish the CURE Research Consortium Scientific Data Coordinating Center (SDCC). The SDCC will provide the leadership, infrastructure, and tools to unite the Field Epidemiology Sites, Renal Science Core, Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource, and NIH into a cohesive whole by promoting consensus building and collaborative decision making. The SDCC's role in cultivating a common research agenda is crucial to the CURE Research Consortium's ability to implement ethical epidemiology research designs; common approaches for data collection, and biological and environmental assessments; best practices for data analysis and dissemination; and ancillary research studies. Specifically, the SDCC will support the Research Consortium by accomplishing the following aims: (1) elucidate the likely multifactorial etiologies of CKDu development and progression in endemic regions by integrating a classic case-control study with longitudinal assessments of cases to assess factors for disease progression and controls to capture CKDu development; (2) promote consensus building and foster collaboration and coordination by providing scientific leadership, expertise in data science and robust analytical methods, and communication, logistical, and operational support; and (3) enhance Consortium research efficiency, productivity, and scientific rigor by providing sound study monitoring and oversight and establishing efficient data and specimen management systems using relevant technology and data visualization tools. Together with a multidisciplinary team of Co-investigators, the SDCC multiple PIs, Jill Lebov, PhD (contact PI), Marie Gantz, PhD, and Daniel Brooks, PhD, bring the required scientific and organizational capabilities in Consortium coordination, project management, epidemiology, biostatistics, data science, nephrology and kidney disease research, environmental and occupational health, genetics, and ethical conduct of international research in resource-limited settings to effectively manage the activities of the SDCC, the CURE Research Consortium, and the CURE Study.