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The Division has a basic research program with a strong emphasis on translational research with application of knowledge gained at the bench to the bedside. Research funding is derived from extramural support from NIH, National Kidney Foundation (NKF), together foundations and industry.
Current research focus by laboratory-based investigators is indexed by the principal investigator lab name below. Use the naviation bar to go directly to a description of each lab.
Dr. Bolton is well known for his pioneering work on autoimmune kidney disease using autoimmune anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody as a model. At the present time he is investigating the antigens involved in the production of Goodpasture’s syndrome using recombinant and chimeric proteins in collaboration with investigators in Sweden. Molecular mapping of the epitope(s) involved in the production of the disease using recombinant proteins with site directed mutagenesis and synthetic peptides have isolated the responsible antigen to a specific region of the alpha 3 (IV) NC1 domain of the type four collagen chain. A minimal length synthetic peptide induces the full spectrum of disease in the animal model. Early evidence suggests that epitope spreading occurs in this model as described in other autoimmune models. Work in the laboratory is currently focused on epitope spreading and manipulation of the idiotypic anti-idiotypic network in the development of this experimental glomerulonephritis model.
Lobo’s Lab
Dr. Lobo has focused his research on the role of IgM autoantibodies to chemokine receptors and CD3, CD4 in suppressing inflammatory states where T cell activation and chemokine receptors are involved e.g. acute rejections. Most recently he is studying the role of naturally occurring IgM antibodies in suppressing the ability of HIV to infect lymphocytes. His research in the area of transplantation involves methods to detect anti-HLA antibodies that cause graft loss. His technique, which has been patented, has received national and international recognition. Detection of such antibodies pre-transplant has clearly helped with utilization of grafts, which is a scarce resource.
Obrig’s Lab
Dr. Obrig is recognized for research on the role of Shiga toxin in the production of hemolytic uremic syndrome and regulation of renal inflammation. Joining his laboratory during this period were James Roche, M.D. Ph.D.. The goal of the Obrig laboratory is to use modern molecular biology techniques to define targets for therapeutic intervention in HUS disease of humans
Okusa's Lab
Dr. Okusa’s recent investigation suggests that immune cells participate in early and late events following ischemia-reperfusion that initiate injury or repair of the kidney. His team of investigators attempts to dissect basic immunological mechanisms that participate in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury and to identify novel approraches to therapeutic interventions. Compounds that target adenosine 2A receptors and lysosphingolipid receptors are used in acute kidney injury models. In other studies these compounds are used to prevent inflammation and progression of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Okusa is a member of the Acute Kidney Injury Advisory Committee to the American Society of Nephrology. He also is a member of advisory or editorial boards of several journals.