Grant: Operating Grant

The health of an organism largely depends on the accuracy of signals sent among constituent cells. Much of this information is transmitted inside cells through specific proteins, called protein kinases. Activity of protein kinases contributes to the maintenance of normal cell structure and function, while disorders in protein kinase activation or function can contribute to disease. Nearly 20% of childhood diseases that lead to end stage kidney failure are due to primary disorders of kidney development. In adults, acute kidney failure (e.g. post-operatively or due to infections) and kidney inflammation are common medical problems with substantial morbidity and mortality. In this proposal, we will study abnormalities in cellular pathways in the kidney involving protein kinases, and how disordered regulation of protein kinases leads to kidney disease. The results of these studies will eventually lead to improved strategies for therapies of developmental kidney disorders and kidney injury.