Sanford Health Awarded $2.3 Million NIH Grant for Kidney Research

Sanford Health researcher, Kamesh Surendran, Ph.D., and his lab at Sanford Research, were recently awarded a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Funding will support Dr. Surendran's lab in studying kidney development and disease by determining the molecular basis by which diverse cell types of the kidney develop and are maintained.

The R01 grant, totaling $2,314,660, is for a project entitled "Molecular Regulators of Collecting Duct Remodeling." The primary goal of this study is to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the conversion of principal cells to intercalated cells in the collecting duct of the kidney and their role in acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI).

"Our work explores the surprising phenomenon of mature kidney cells switching types which has profound implications for maintaining water and electrolyte balance," Surendran said. "I often like to use the reference of comparing the functions of the different collecting duct cell types to that of firefighters and police officers. Each plays a crucial and distinct role in our community, but if too many individuals of one profession switch roles there will be insufficient emergency personnel to respond to certain emergencies. Similarly, the plasticity of the kidney collecting duct cell types can be problematic. This research will identify the molecular mechanisms driving the conversion of principal cells to intercalated cells in the kidney collecting duct."

This project builds upon a surprising finding that mature cell types within the kidney collecting ducts can switch from one type to another. The research will examine how these kidney collecting duct cell type conversions are regulated and their role in maintaining water and ion balance.

For more information about Sanford Research, visit research.sanfordhealth.org.