Rhian Touyz and Joost Hoenderop receive Radboud - Glasgow Collaboration Fund

27 April 2020

In June 2018, Radboud University signed a strategic partnership agreement with the University of Glasgow committing the two research-intensive universities to invest jointly in extending our world-class research and enhancing our learning and teaching practices. In order to facilitate and support joint initiatives, the Radboud-Glasgow Collaboration Fund was established. 
 
Touyz and Hoenderop applied for a research and exchange project aiming to elucidate the mechanisms whereby FAM111A regulates magnesium and calcium homeostasis in patients with the Kenny-Caffey syndrome. The group of Touyz discovered earlier in patients with Kenny-Caffey syndrome mutations in this FAM111A gene. There are no specific treatments for these patients and the disturbed magnesium and calcium balance leads to severe cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Current treatment in Kenny-Caffey syndrome patients implies life-long magnesium and calcium supplementation, which also have potential adverse effects. The stimulation fund of 20.000 euro will be used to exchange PhD students within the two research groups to establish innovative research and to study the functions of the new FAM111A gene. In addition, both research groups will be able to synergise their biomedical teaching modules in kidney physiology. 
 
They are looking forward to start and strengthen the collaboration within the two universities.