Kids Kidney Research

Many kidney diseases, of different primary causes, cause cells inside of the kidney to form scar tissue, which has some resemblance to incompletely formed muscle. This tissue can lead to further deterioration of kidney function and eventually hasten the need for dialysis and transplantation. We recently discovered that a gene called Teashirt (pronounced “T-shirt”) is essential for normal formation of muscle within the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney with the urinary bladder. We also have found that Teashirt genes are active in the kidney itself. In this project we will follow-up these leads to better define how these genes are working in the kidney, during health (during both maturation and adulthood) and also in disease. In the longer term, insights from this study may help us understand why kidneys fail to work but also suggest new options for treatment.