Pre-Clinical Core

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section: Pre-Clinical Core Small animal models of human disease have provided important insights into renal pathophysiological processes and are an important preclinical resource to test therapeutic and preventive approaches in acute kidney injury (AKI). The specific aims of the Pre-Clinical Core (Core B) are to: Aim 1. Provide the facilities and skills (Animal Models Resource) to study murine models of AKI. Aim 2. Provide unique facilities and requisite skills (Renal Physiology Resource) to determine renal physiological changes in AKI. This Core will specifically share specialized knowledge, tools, technologies and expertise to (i) utilize rodent models of AKI specifically in the setting of ischemia/reperfusion injury, sepsis and kidney transplantation, and (ii) provide expertise and training for studying renal function on the whole kidney and at the single nephron level, including micropuncture techniques and determination of GFR, microanalysis of tubular fluid and tubular reabsorption, renal hemodynamics with assessment of tubuloglomerular feedback, and metabolic assessment of kidney oxygen consumption in rodents. Core B will also provide technical expertise for the isolation of primary tubular and vascular cells from rodents. The mission of Core B is to provide these unique and relevant resources within the O’Brien Kidney Consortium to help investigators overcome barriers to utilization of relevant rodent models for in vivo and in vitro studies (kidney cells and cell lines) to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI. The Core will capitalize on the excellent, established track record of supporting the national kidney research community through provision of state-of-the-art tools to investigate AKI in animal models. Since the inception of the O’Brien Center, Core B has performed more than 20,000 procedures for the community. The hands-on, technically challenging experimental resources, along with the unique expertise of Core B personnel, will integrate into the Consortium to catalyze collaborative activities and advance AKI research for the kidney research community. These resources have been designed to enhance the skills of the workforce by enticing and supporting early-stage investigators as well as encouraging established investigators in other fields of study into AKI-related research.