# University of Michigan LURN Research Site

> **NIH NIH U01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2020 · $498,679

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY /ABSTRACT
The primary goals of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) are to
identifying important subtypes of patients with LUTS, and to improve the measurement of patient experiences of
LUTS. The Network's approach to defining patient subtypes was based on a resampling-based consensus
clustering approach using self-reported unbiased patient data. The approach to improving the measurement of
patient reports of LUTS was to systematically develop a new, high-quality item bank based on qualitative input
from patients, community participants, clinicians, and clinical researchers. After a successful initial 5-year
funding cycle, LURN is prepared to build on the knowledge gained and take the next steps with the following
Specific Aims:
 • To test and refine the original clustering model with a cohort including a wider range of symptom
 severity and a wider range of physiological measures. (Cohort-Based Study)
 A second, more diverse, cohort of patients with LUTS will be recruited to validate the novel symptom-
 based clusters identified in LURN I.
 • To determine phenotypic characteristics of women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by
 measuring the functional components of the lower urinary tract. (Organ-Based Study)
 We have assembled a battery of urodynamic tests to examine the sensory and motor components of
 both the bladder and the urethra.
 • To identify protein-based biomarker signatures of proteins contained within plasma of specific
 subgroups of men and women with LUTS. (Biomarker Study)
 We will use samples from a representative subset of the LURN I Observational Cohort to identify clusters
 of patients based on “biomarker signatures” contained within plasma, specifically groups of up- and down-
 regulated biomarkers.
 • To validate a comprehensive outcome tool for men and women with LUTS. (Self-Reported
 Measures Development)
 Using the Comprehensive Assessment of Self-reported Urinary Symptoms (CASUS) item bank
 developed in LURN I, we will refine the CASUS into an outcome tool for determining treatment outcomes.
 • To characterize lower urinary tract and sexual function by presence, type and severity of diabetes
 mellitus. (Diabetes Study)
 All LURN II participants will complete a protocol at baseline that includes: surveys querying diabetes
 experience, autonomic testing, and blood specimen collection for metabolic markers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10009323
- **Project number:** 5U01DK099932-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** J. QUENTIN CLEMENS
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $498,679
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-07-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10009323

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10009323, University of Michigan LURN Research Site (5U01DK099932-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10009323. Licensed CC0.

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