Comparative Histopathological Changes in Different Models of
Obstructive Nephropathy
About Us:
Our lab is part of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research in Nationwide
Children’s. Most of our projects represent a link between the clinical and the basic
science worlds, with a focus on chronic and obstructive diseases of the urinary tract
and kidneys.
Background:
Congenital Obstructive Nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic kidney
disease and renal failure in children. Inborn urinary tract obstructions are
associated with a wide range of presentations and outcomes, ranging from mild,
which can go undetected for years, to severe, causing early irreversible damage to
the kidneys. Our long-term research goals are to identify biological markers that can
be used to assess and prognose the effect of obstruction on the kidneys, and novel
therapeutic targets to prevent, halt or reverse injury to the kidneys caused by
inborn obstructions. The specific goal of this project is to evaluate the capacity of the
kidney to maintain its function in the face of obstruction and/or physiological stress,
a concept referred to as the Functional Renal Reserve. For these studies, we use
two animal models: the Megabladder Mouse (Mgb) which is a unique genetic model
that develops chronic and end-stage kidney disease secondary to a functional lower
urinary tract obstruction; and a Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction (UUO) mouse which
is a genetically normal mouse with a surgically induced obstruction in one kidney.
Opportunity for Medical Students
Joining our lab for this summer project will give the medical student a chance to
learn and actively participate in many stages of our ongoing experiments. The
student’s primary project will involve comparative study of the histopathological
changes in the kidney that result from different types and severities of obstruction.
Techniques the student will master may include tissue processing,
immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization, ELISA, western blotting, and
microscopy. Depending on the student’s interests, there may also be opportunities
to attend research seminars, clinics, and clinical conferences at Nationwide
Children’s.
Contact Information:
Susan E. Ingraham, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University
Division of Pediatric Nephrology
Email: Susan.Ingraham@nationwidechildrens.org
Phone: (614) 355-2731
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