Grant: Operating Grant

In Canada over 40,300 individuals in Canada underwent treatment for chronic kidney disease. The number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease is projected to continually increase in the coming years. We recognize that chronic kidney diseases are a significant burden on patients, their families, and the healthcare system. Abnormal formation of the kidney ranks among the most common birth defects with an incidence of 1 in 250, and is a major contributing factor in childhood and adult onset kidney disease. Further, even minor alterations in kidney development are associated with adult onset hypertension (high blood pressure) and reduced kidney function. These ailments highlight the importance for understanding the processes that are required for proper kidney formation. The mission of our research program is to make significant contributions to the understanding of kidney development and associated diseases. Our research focuses on determining what role the protein, beta-catenin, is doing during normal kidney development and its relationship to kidney disease. Our proposed research uses innovative genetically modified mouse models that alter the levels of beta-catenin in specific cells of the kidney. Initial analysis of these mice demonstrates abnormalities similar to kidney maldevelopment. In Canada, these mouse models are unique to my laboratory, with only a handful in the world studying beta-catenin in renal dysplasia. We will use these mouse models to improve the understanding of beta-catenin in renal dysplasia. These preclinical studies will build the foundation to investigate new targets to be used for preventative therapeutic options aimed at reducing kidney maldevelopment to help reduce or alleviate the devastating effects of this childhood and adult kidney disease.