Abstract: INFO08-FR
Washington University Kidney O'Brien National Resource Center for CKD Research
Session Information
- Informational Posters - 2
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- No subcategory defined
Authors
- Humphreys, Benjamin D., Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Gewin, Leslie S., Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Miner, Jeffrey H., Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Description
The focus of the Washington University Kidney O’Brien National Resource Center for Chronic Kidney Disease Research (WUCKD-NRC) is to develop and make widely available tools and technologies for the investigation of CKD and fibrosis. The WUCKD-NRC will achieve these goals through two Biomedical Cores - the Metabolism Core and the Variant Validation Core - and a Development Core focused on multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics technologies.
The Metabolism Core is a cross-disciplinary resource that facilitates the ability of users to answer questions related to metabolism and CKD. After consultation with Core faculty (Gewin, Finck, Shriver, Patti), users will be guided towards an appropriate metabolic assay to answer specific questions. The Core can provide guidance for experimental design and proper controls for the Seahorse bioflux analyzer (XF24/XF96). In addition, we perform substrate oxidation assays using tissue ex vivo and radioactive substrates (e.g. 3H-palmitate). We provide targeted and untargeted metabolomics as well as stable isotope flux studies. We also provide help with the analysis and interpretation of data, a critical step for understanding the data, its limitations, and next steps for the project.
The Variant Validation Core (VVC) designs and carries out assays aimed at investigating the pathogenicity of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) found in patients with kidney disease or developmental disorders. The VVC uses cell culture and in silico approaches to assay protein function, RNA splicing, and gene expression. In limited circumstances, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing is used to generate mouse models carrying a VUS; gene-edited mice can be analyzed for the presence of kidney disease or disorders. The experimental approach for each VUS brought to the VVC leader (Miner) is tailored for 1) the particular gene and protein; and 2) the particular disease or disorder that would likely develop if the VUS is indeed pathogenic.
The Single Cell Omics Research Evolution (SCORE) Core aims to overcome barriers to fully realizing the potential of single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing by developing new multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics technologies and new computational pipelines to study CKD pathobiology—particularly in the tubulointerstitial niche—enhancing national kidney research infrastructure.
Funding
- NIDDK U54DK137332