Abstract: INFO10-TH
The Washington University Kidney O'Brien National Resource Center for CKD Research
Session Information
- Informational Posters - 1
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, 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 WashU Kidney O’Brien National Resource Center for CKD Research (WUCKD-NRC) is to develop and make available tools and technologies to investigate CKD and fibrosis. The WUCKD-NRC achieves 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.
The Metabolism Core is a cross-disciplinary resource that helps users to answer questions related to metabolism and CKD. After consultation with Core faculty (Gewin, Finck, Shriver, Patti), users are guided towards an appropriate metabolic assay to answer specific questions. The Core can 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 have developed techniques to define metabolic pathway activity (i.e. fatty acid oxidation) using stable isotope flux studies in tubules ex vivo. Users can have many of these assays performed on kidneys shipped on ice rather than shipping live mice. We also help with analysis and interpretation of data, a critical step to understand the data, its limitations, and next steps for the project.
The Variant Validation Core (VVC) designs and performs assays to investigate the pathogenicity of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) in patients with kidney disease or developmental disorders. The VVC uses cell culture approaches to assay protein function, RNA splicing, and gene expression. Most VUS investigated have been in COL4A genes associated with Alport syndrome. In limited circumstances, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing is used to generate mice carrying a VUS; these 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 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