Kidney Translational Research Center

The Kidney Translational Research Center (KTRC) is dedicated to advancing our understanding of vascular and renal physiology, focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms within human kidney epithelial and endothelial cells. Historically, functional research has relied heavily on rodent models and heterologous expression systems due to limited access to human tissues leaving several essential questions, like the properties of ion transport, sex difference, or mechanisms of aging and metabolism in native human kidney largely unexplored.

Our mission is to bridge this gap by enhancing translational cardiorenal research at MUSC, serving investigators from diverse specialties, including Nephrology, Cardiology, Microbiology, Rheumatology, Immunology, and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. By employing cutting-edge methodologies, KTRC laboratories perform isolation of defined nephron segments, renal microvessels, immune cells, etc., for advanced studies using electrophysiology and confocal or two-photon microscopy. We also produce primary human kidney cell cultures and perform multi-omics approaches using renal tissue, cystic fluid, adrenal gland, visceral fat, etc.

The MUSC Transplant Center is among the largest kidney transplant programs in the nation, with 5,618 kidney transplants performed in 2021 alone. Organs prepared for transplantation are typically preserved in a University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, allowing for long-distance organ procurement. However, kidneys preserved in UW solution for over 16–24 hours face a higher risk of transplant rejection and, if not matched to a recipient, are often discarded. KTRC utilizes these organs for groundbreaking research. Our innovative methods preserve the viability of these kidneys for research, enabling detailed investigations of kidney structure and function, even after extended preservation periods.

KRTC Capabilities

Human tissues biobank to study sex and aging differences

In collaboration with Augusta University (AU) Physiology, we are leveraging advanced biobanking techniques to explore sex and aging differences in kidney physiology and pathophysiology. KTRC integrates expertise in molecular, cellular, and whole-organ analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of kidney health and disease.

Reoxygenation Protocols and Functional Studies

KTRC has developed and optimized protocols to study kidney viability and functionality post-preservation. This includes electrophysiological and confocal assessments of ion channel activity, intracellular calcium, nitric oxide, and other redox molecules in freshly isolated human glomerular and tubular cells.

Vibrodissociation method for isolation of defined nephron segments from human and rodent kidneys. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2019 View in PubMed

Drug Testing Platform

Utilizing discarded kidneys, we are exploring novel pharmacological compounds targeting ion channel transport, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions in chronic kidney disorders. The current projects are conducted in collaboration with the Hypertension and Kidney Center at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Heart Institute, leveraging joint expertise in translational research and state-of-the-art facilities to accelerate drug discovery and development.

Crosstalk between epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) and basolateral potassium channels (Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1) in the cortical collecting duct. Br J Pharmacol. 2022 View in PubMed

Human primary endothelial and mesangial cell cultures

In KTRC, we have established robust protocols for generating human primary endothelial and mesangial cell cultures. These cultures serve as versatile platforms for studying vascular and glomerular pathophysiology and for testing pharmacological interventions. Specifically, together with the Division of Rheumatology & Immunology , we developing a comprehensive program to find new treatments for lupus nephritis and other SLE-mediated pathology.

Benign and PKD cystic fluid collection

KTRC has initiated the systematic collection and characterization of benign and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) cystic fluids in collaboration with the Knafel Polycystic Kidney Disease Center at the Rogosin Institute and Weill Cornell Medicine. These efforts aim to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in PKD, providing insights into disease progression and the development of personalized therapies.