A number of disease states arise from the loss or destruction of tissue, e.g., loss of pancreatic islets cells results in Type I Diabetes and loss of adrenal cortical cells results in Addison's Disease. The ultimate treatment of these conditions would involve (1) reversal of the destructive process and (2) restoration of normal tissue. Tissue regeneration is the process by which lost or damaged tissue is restored to its normal state. The mechanisms, which regulate this dynamic and essential process, remain incompletely understood. Two major mechanisms include the regulation of (1) tissue-specific adult stem cells and (2) lineage development, which likely involves cellular differentiation, de-differentiation and trans-differentiation. Employing a classic model of tissue regeneration, the mouse adrenal cortex, we will investigate these fundamental processes. Using fluorescence activate cell sorting, we will identify, isolate and characterize adrenal progenitor cells from animals undergoing a variety of controlled manipulations. Progenitor cells will then be examined for their differentiation potential in transplantation model systems. Using a gene targeting approach and Cre-LoxP technology we will genetically modify mouse adrenal cells in order to perform lineage tracing and tissue-specific knockout experiments. These experiments are designed to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of adrenal development and zonation and begin to define the molecular pathway of adrenal regeneration. This work is being performed in a highly supportive environment with expertise in each major area proposed for study. Furthermore, this work builds upon the prior experiences of the PI, generating transgenic animals to study gene expression and lineage development, by incorporating the modern tools of gene targeting and Cre-LoxP technology. Finally, by combining this work with limited clinical responsibility (10% time) as a Pediatric Endocrinologist, the PI will continue to benefit from clinical encounters, which often lead to novel insights into the mechanisms of disease. It is expected that this work will be enable the PI to transition to a career as an independent researcher.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08DK066305-02
Application #
6850685
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Hyde, James F
Project Start
2004-07-01
Project End
2009-06-30
Budget Start
2005-07-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$128,715
Indirect Cost
Name
Children's Hospital Boston
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Pignatti, Emanuele; Leng, Sining; Carlone, Diana L et al. (2017) Regulation of zonation and homeostasis in the adrenal cortex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 441:146-155
Freedman, Bethany D; Kempna, Petra Bukovac; Carlone, Diana L et al. (2013) Adrenocortical zonation results from lineage conversion of differentiated zona glomerulosa cells. Dev Cell 26:666-673
Song, Jie; Czerniak, Suzanne; Wang, Teresa et al. (2011) Characterization and fate of telomerase-expressing epithelia during kidney repair. J Am Soc Nephrol 22:2256-65
Montgomery, Robert K; Carlone, Diana L; Richmond, Camilla A et al. (2011) Mouse telomerase reverse transcriptase (mTert) expression marks slowly cycling intestinal stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108:179-84
Breault, David T; Min, Irene M; Carlone, Diana L et al. (2008) Generation of mTert-GFP mice as a model to identify and study tissue progenitor cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:10420-5