Our laboratory is interested in understanding the connection between chronic kidney disease and adverse maternal environments including preterm birth and growth restriction. We use mouse models and samples from babies to help us understand the mechanism involved.
Preterm birth affects ~10% of births and is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) across the lifespan. Nearly 30% of extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks’ gestation) develop CKD by 2 years with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), albuminuria, and elevated blood pressure. Since studying long-term kidney outcomes in humans can take decades, it is essential to develop a robust animal model to understand the mechanistic underpinnings involved in the development of CKD after preterm birth. Our objective is to evaluate the longitudinal kidney health in mice born preterm and assess potential sex differences in kidney function over time. Our group is additionally collecting blood samples from neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our lab has a translational focus and aims to develop therapies that can be used in the NICU to improve kidney outcomes in those born too early.
Good organization and time management skills
Positive attitude
Willingness to problem-solve.
histologic/staining techniques and quantification techniques
biologic sample handling
potentially animal work if the student is interested.