This is a proposal for continuation of a research training program for physicians and postdoctoral basic scientists in Nephrology. The overall goal of this Program continues to be the development of our trainees for careers in academic nephrology. Investigations will be performed using state-of-the-art tools aimed at defining the basic biology underlying normal kidney function, and mechanisms that mediate renal diseases. A key goal is to develop the independent research abilities of trainees which we will foster by our focus upon techniques of contemporary molecular biology, immunology and cell biology, as well as cultivation of intellectual skills in the critical reading of scientific papers, analysis and reporting of research data, as well as oral presentation at scientific meetings. Although we emphasize basic research techniques, we apply them to health-related problems. These include molecular immunopathology, the complement system in renal--diseases, apoptosis and autoimmunity (especially in systemic lupus erythematosis), ischemic renal reperfusion injury, endotoxin-induced acute renal failure, mouse models of renal disease, transgenic and knockout mouse technologies, mouse renal transplantation, gene expression in experimental glomerular cell injury, functional genomics, bioinformatics, epithelial cell growth factors, regulation of Na:K ATPase along the nephron, renal hemodynamics in acute renal failure using direct human clinical protocols, clinical studies of human nephrolithiasis, and renal transplantation. Applicants will have an M.D., Ph.D. degree, or both, and physicians will have completed clinical training in Internal Medicine and one year in Nephrology. Selection of the applicants by the Nephrology Training Faculty is based upon interviews, letters of recommendation, and past research performance where applicable. Progress of the trainees is assessed by the Program Director, Co-Director, individual faculty sponsors, and yearly seminars given by the trainees. All training will be carried out in the Section of Nephrology of the Department of Medicine. Individual training can be arranged as needed in basic science departments at the University of Chicago.
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