Another research group at HSCI, lead by Principal Faculty Member Jordan Kriedberg, MD, is also studying the nephron. Specifically, the team believes that understanding the mechanisms that regulate nephron growth during kidney development will lead to better treatments for renal failure in adults. Recent work from several groups has identified "microRNAs" as a group of regulatory, non-coding, molecules that attach to specific sections of genetic material to turn them on or off.  Kriedberg's group recently added to this growing body of work by identifying microRNAs that target a protein (Bim) responsible for nephron progenitor cell death. These microRNAs promote nephron growth and survival by regulating the expression of Bim and may enhance our understanding of the general mechanisms that lead to healthy kidney development.

Ho, J.; Pandey, P.; Schatton, T.; Sims-Lucas, S.; Khalid, My.; Frank, M.; Hartwig, S.; Kreidberg, J. (2011) The Pro-Apoptotic Protein Bim is a MicroRNA Target in Kidney Progenitors. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 22, 1053-63.