Maryland Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Core Center (MPKD-RCC)

In this application, we seek to continue funding for the Maryland Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Research Core Center (MPKD-RCC). The mission of this Center is to facilitate translational and basic research in the field of polycystic kidney disease and related disciplines by sharing resources, reagents, and expertise with a broad base of investigators. This proposal capitalizes on a long tradition of PKD research by MPKD-RCC investigators who have been at the forefront of PKD science for the past two decades. The MPKD-RCC Biomedical Research Cores will include 1) Antibody and Vector 2) Mouse Models and Cell Systems and 3) Clinical and Translation. Together, these collaborative, highly integrated cores address critical needs in the PKD Research pipeline, stretching from basic to clinical investigation. In this renewal application, we seek to accelerate discovery by adding a Resource Development Core that will work closely with our biomedical cores and engage a multidisciplinary team of scientific leaders, PKD researchers, and community stakeholders to foster innovation and develop new resources that address emerging needs in the field. We expect that this strategy will continue our proven track record of supporting high-impact science across the country. These activities will be organized by an Administrative Core led by two experienced investigators who will leverage the resources of two outstanding research institutions in Baltimore, the University of Maryland Baltimore and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The center’s specific Aims are 1) To share a robust toolkit of cutting-edge reagents and expertise with a broad community of researchers to drive discovery; 2) To create a Resource Development Core as a dynamic incubator space for innovation. 3) To drive collaboration and integration between MPKD-RCC cores to maximize resource sharing and operational efficiency; 4) To partner with other PKD centers, the PKD RRC Coordinating Site and the NIDDK to achieve the broader objectives of the PKD Research Resource Consortium and 5) To foster a collaborative research environment through strategic engagement, mentorship, and outreach initiatives including multidisciplinary advisory boards, a summer student research program and educational initiatives. Through these aims, we will accelerate discoveries that will advance our understanding of PKD.