Haemolytic uraemic syndrome

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome or HUS is the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children. It carries a 5% mortality rate and there is no direct treatment. 90% of cases occur after a diarrhoeal illness which is usually caused by E.coli O157. This bacteria produces a toxin which damages the filtration unit of the kidney; the glomerulus. We are investigating the effect of this toxin on the two main cell types of the glomerulus; the podocyte and the endothelial cell. Our main focus is on the unique relationship that exists between these cells and how the HUS toxin affects this. Currently we are examining how a change in podocyte vascular endothelial growth factor alters the expression of protective complement regulators on glomerular endothelial cells. By improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of HUS we hope to develop new treatment strategies.