Download The Phenotyping and Pathophysiology Core

Histology and Molecular Pathology
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Tissue arrays (tissue samples from existing archival specimens from various kidney disease
models can be provided for exploration and characterization of expression patterns of various
novel target molecules)
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Routine histology
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Special and/or selective immunohistochemistry
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RNA scope in situ hybridization
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Electron microscopic analysis and selected morphometric techniques (e.g., glomerular size,
tubulointerstitial fibrosis, GBM width and foot process effacement are provided
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Laser capture microscopic dissection for special studies of selected renal structures is also
offered, with mass spectrometry and/or PCR for molecules of interest in the selected regions
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Confocal Z section imaging of selected renal structures for detailed spatial analysis can also be
performed by the Core
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In situ mass spectroscopy techniques to optimize spatial resolution of mass spectra in kidney
tissues, and propose to fully develop this technique for identification of key molecules in kidney
diseases
The cell and genome engineering core
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CRISPR/Cas9 and transposon vectors and expertise in using them for stable genetic
modification of kidney cells.
Isolate nephron specific primary and immortalized cells from uninjured and injured mice that can
either be cultured for future use. In addition, it will isolate protein and/or DNA from cell specific
components of injured mouse kidneys for in depth analysis.
Isolate nephron specific cells that will be processed for RNA analysis from normal humans and
those with renal disease, specifically diabetes.
The Phenotyping and Pathophysiology Core (Animal)
Phenotyping Subcore
 Albuminuria
 Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
 Creatinine as serum creatinine or creatinine clearance
 Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by FITC inulin
 Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by FITC-Sinistrin
 Plasma renin activity
 Plasma aldosterone levels
 Urinary F2-isoprostanes
 Urinary osmolality
 Blood and urine Na+, K+ levels
 Blood pressure by Tail cuff.
 Blood pressure by Catheterization
 Blood pressure by Radiotelemetry.
 Sodium and water balance study with acute salt loading.
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Necropsy.
Kidney Protein and mRNA isolation.
Glomerular isolation
Injury Model Subcore
 Kidney transplantation
 Bone marrow transplantation (BMT)
 Type II diabetic nephropathy.
 Type I diabetic nephropathy (e.g. streptozotocin-induced diabetes).
 5/6 nephrectomy.
 Angiotensin II induced nephropathy.
 Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).
 Ischemia-reperfusion.
 Toxic nephropathy. (mercuric chloride, folic acid, Adriamycin, and aristolochic acid induced
kidney toxicity)
Kidney Oxygen Metabolism and Bioenergetics Subcore
 Screening and characterization of murine kidney disease model with potential defects in O2 and
energy metabolism
 In vitro and in vivo analysis of partial O2 consumption
 Training and scientific guidance in the areas of renal hypoxia and metabolism.
 Quantitation of intermediary metabolism and MALDI imaging mass spectrometry of renal
metabolites
The In Vivo Mouse Kidney Imaging Subcore
 BOLD-MRI to investigate renal oxygenation.
 qBOLD to quantifies local basal oxygen saturation
 MicroCT: to evaluate three dimensional quantification of renal vascular structure in preclinical
models
Clinical core
General Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation Consultative Service
 Planning Studios
 Hypothesis development
 Study design,
 Ethics review,
 Analytic plan and biostatistics
 Project management services
 Development of internal and exportable study database,
 Regulatory support (e.g. IRB, IND, DSMB),
 Quality assurance/control activities,
 Data analysis and reporting
Biorepository Subcore
 Access to clinically linked biosamples
 Blood, urine, DNA, tissue
 Longitudinal clinical phenotyping in patients with or suspected of kidney disease
 Histopathologic data
Metabolic Phenotyping Unit Subcore (VPMU)
 Energy expenditure
 Whole-room indirect calorimeter
 Metabolic cart systems
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Portable calorimetry systems
Energy and Nutrient intake software
Body composition analysis
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA),
Air-displacement plethysmography (BodPod),
Bioimpedance
Metabolic studies
o glucose, amino acid and fatty acid clamp studies
o consultation on design and implementation
o isotope trace studies for substrate metabolism
o consultation on design and implementation
Assay measurements
o blood, urine and tissue amino acid profiles
o blood fatty acid profiles
o labeled isotope by MS (leucine, phenylalanine, glucose, palmitic acid)
Sodium MRI
o skin and muscle tissue Na accumulation measurement
Vascular studies
o Consultation on Brachial Artery Hyperemia, Pulse Wave Velocity
Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistical Subcore (VCEB)
 Collaborative interface with large ongoing prospective/retrospective cohorts
o Southern Community Cohort Study, Jackson-Heart Study, CARDIA)
 Consultative services
o research question development, design, analytic approach, manuscript/grant evaluation
 Informatics expertise and consultation
o development of clinical decision support,
o pharmacogenomics studies,
o natural language processing and consultation