Enhancement of a Research and Translational Center for the Integrative Biology of Kidney Disease

Project Description Narrative:

Diabetes and hypertension are major healthcare concerns in Wisconsin, and the incidence of end-stage renal disease is increasing as the population ages and becomes more obese. The treatment costs for these conditions are staggering, and little is known about the genetic basis of the disease. Current treatments focus only on symptoms, not the cause. This project will leverage major advances at MCW, including the creation of new genetic animal models; the establishment of the Kidney Disease Center (KDC) and its expanding research space; and the successful grant application to establish a Center of Excellence for Pediatric Renal Research.

The ultimate goal of the KDC is to rapidly translate new research findings on the genetic basis of renal disease and its progression into the development of new therapies. As such, the center can positively affect the lives of millions of patients with hypertension, diabetes, nephrolithiasis, acute renal failure, glomerular injury, and polycystic kidney disease that are at high risk for the development of chronic renal disease and the need for renal replacement therapy.