Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2005

Mentor: Peter Igarashi, M.D.
Department: Internal Medicine/Nephrology
Room number: H5.122
Mail Code: 8856
Phone number: 82754
E-mail: peter.igarashi@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Molecular pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) animal-based or basic

Brief Description of Project:

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common life-threatening human genetic disorders. PKD is characterized by the accumulation of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which results in kidney enlargement and renal failure. PKD can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait that affects primarily adults or an autosomal recessive trait that affects primarily infants and children. The genes that cause PKD have been identified, but the mechanism of cyst formation remains unclear. Our laboratory uses genetically-modified mice (transgenic, knockout) to create new animal models of PKD. In addition, biochemical and cell biological studies are performed to study disease mechanisms.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

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