Welcome to theCystinosis Research Network

Cystinosis is a rare, genetic, metabolic, lysosomal storage disease that causes an abnormal accumulation of the amino acid cystine in various organs and tissues of the body such as the kidneys, eyes, muscles, pancreas and brain.

The cystine accumulation causes widespread tissue and organ damage. Cystine accumulation can lead to kidney failure, muscle wasting, swallowing difficulty, diabetes, hypothyroidism, cerebral atrophy, photophobia, blindness, corneal ulceration, ventilatory impairment, and more. Without treatment, children with cystinosis will usually develop end stage kidney failure and die prematurely.

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2023 CRN Family Conference

Join us in Nashville, TN July 13 – 15 for an unforgettable gathering of cystinosis individuals, families and professionals.

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Health Care Professionals

The CRN provides the latest updates on research and treatment advancements, funds research grants and provides best clinical practices resources.

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News

New

Cystinosis + Raising Rare Podcast

Join us on the Raising Rare podcast featuring...

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New

My Cystinosis Story by Gracie Smith

Hello! My name is Gracie, I’m 21 years old, and I have a rare disease called cystinosis. Cystinosis is a...

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Resources

Newly Diagnosed

You’ve received a diagnosis. Now what?

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Education

Daily life with cystinosis can present challenges. There are resources to help you along the way.

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Research Developments

Teams of medical experts are researching every aspect of cystinosis with the purpose of understanding our disease, finding improved treatments and a cure.

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