Dr. Resnick is a physicist committed to establishing a career in systems biology research and a research program designed to study cell signaling. His short-term career goals are to develop solid foundations in electrophysiological and immunostaining experimental techniques, protein function, cell biology and current medical practices. The proposed career development plan will train Dr. Resnick in 1) electrophysiological experimental techniques and immunofluorescent methods; 2) Cell biology, and the functional roles of cell signaling molecules; and 3) independent career development and translational research. Mentors at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and University Hospitals (UH) will provide training and expertise, and monitor and support Dr. Resnick's career advancement. The existing collaborative nature of this research and training environment is suited to the multi-disciplinary nature of the project and Dr. Resnick's career goals in biomedical research. The research plan will investigate the possible role of the primary cilium in renal epithelial cells as a mechanical sensor of the cell's external fluid environment, and the metabolic pathways that are regulated by that sensing mechanism. First, renal epithelial cells will be cultured and placed within a calibrated flow chamber, and their cilia monitored. Second, laser tweezers will be used to manipulate the cilia in a controlled fashion. Calcium imaging will be performed to determine the metabolic effects of cilia deformation. It is theorized that improper functioning of the cilia leads to polycystic kidney disease via improper regulation of angiotensin II; understanding and validating this model could lead to effective treatments by developing targeted drugs. This career development plan will establish Dr. Resnick as an independent investigator in biomedical research and prepare him to lead research efforts in the development of cell regulatory models.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award (K25)
Project #
5K25DK071027-04
Application #
7456345
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Rankin, Tracy L
Project Start
2005-07-01
Project End
2010-06-30
Budget Start
2008-07-01
Budget End
2009-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$157,092
Indirect Cost
Name
Case Western Reserve University
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
077758407
City
Cleveland
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44106
Resnick, Andrew (2011) Chronic fluid flow is an environmental modifier of renal epithelial function. PLoS One 6:e27058
Resnick, Andrew (2010) Use of optical tweezers to probe epithelial mechanosensation. J Biomed Opt 15:015005
Resnick, Andrew; Hopfer, Ulrich (2008) Mechanical stimulation of primary cilia. Front Biosci 13:1665-80
Resnick, Andrew; Hopfer, Ulrich (2007) Force-response considerations in ciliary mechanosensation. Biophys J 93:1380-90