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

> **NIH NIH U24** · RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE · 2022 · $1,390,941

## Abstract

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 hea...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10472609
- **Project number:** 5U24DK130043-02
- **Recipient organization:** RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** DANIEL R BROOKS
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1,390,941
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-08-25 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10472609

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10472609, Chronic Kidney Diseases of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium - SDCC (5U24DK130043-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10472609. Licensed CC0.

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