Talented CID scientists recognised for their research in kidney disease

Two talented SCS scientists were recently acknowledged for their significant contributions to the advancement of renal medicine at the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) annual meeting last month in Melbourne.

Dr Poh Yi Gan was given the Best Basic Science Award and Dr Sharon Ford received the Best Young Investigator Award (basic science) for their research in kidney disease, undertaken in the Centre for Inflammatory Diseases in the Department of Medicine.

A postdoctoral scientist in Professor Stephen Holdsworth’s research group, Poh developed a new technique to treat ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), an autoimmune disease causing severe kidney inflammation and permanent damage.

“In a murine model, I discovered that nasal administration of the disease inducing self-antigen increased the production of specialised immune cells capable of suppressing AAV,” said Poh.

Importantly, Poh’s discovery could lead to new treatment options in human disease.  Currently, AAV is treated with powerful immunosuppressive drugs that have significant side effects, including diminished immune defence.

“Poh is continuing a research trajectory of outstanding scientific achievement,” said Professor Holdsworth, who was also Poh’s PhD supervisor.  “She has been previously awarded the prize for Best Young Investigator (basic science) on two occasions during her PhD.”

Since the prestigious ANZSN awards started 26 years ago, only two scientists have won twice.

The Best Young Investigator Award encourages young scientists into renal research careers. Sharon, the 2014 winner, is a nephrologist and completing her PhD under Professor Holdsworth’s supervision.

“My research is seeking to find the mechanisms that allow for the induction of autoimmunity that causes AAV,” said Sharon.

“Recent work from our group has shown that normally functioning immune cell receptors can, under some circumstances, activate harmful self-reactive (autoimmune) immunity and induce AAV.”

Sharon has been defining the mechanisms that permit the development of these injurious self-reactive responses and has shown that if stimulated, one particular bacteria-recognising receptor can lead to the development of autoimmune AAV.

“It is very satisfying to know that my work may help develop new therapeutics that can more effectively treat this important disease,” added Sharon.

The ANZSN has had a long interest in enhancing research in kidney disease. Members of the Society are medical practitioners and researchers interested in the biology and pathology of the kidney.

The highly sought after awards are a major highlight of the annual meeting.