A new research project, funded by the John Fell Fund, is set to uncover how chronic kidney disease affects immune responses in the skin Led by Dr. Matthew Bottomley, in collaboration with Dr. Noushin Zibandeh, the study explores an often-overlooked complication of kidney failure: the impact of uraemia on skin immunity.
Using archived samples from an ongoing case-control study, the team will conduct in-depth RNA and protein analyses on immune cells isolated from skin. These will be compared across patients with end-stage kidney disease and healthy controls to identify cellular and molecular changes. Findings will be cross validated using intact tissue samples from the same individuals.
“This work will deepen our understanding of how kidney disease impacts immune function beyond the bloodstream—and right at the skin barrier,” said Matt. “Our ultimate goal is to uncover targets for therapy that may reduce the skin-related burden faced by people living with Chronic kidney disease.”