PROJECT SUMMARY
Title:Delineation of pathogenic mechanisms of NOS1AP and TRIM8 mutations in monogenic SRNS/FSGS
Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a leading cause of childhood chronic kidney disease1, marked
by proteinuria and edema. Renal biopsy typically reveals focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). 59% of
children with SRNS are unresponsive to standard therapy1,2. A majority of them progress to end-stage renal
disease with loss of the kidney glomerular filtering cells, podocytes1,2. Mendelian genetic causes of SRNS/FSGS
have been detected in ~11-30% of pediatric cases3–6. SRNS/FSGS disease genes encode critical pathway
components in podocyte biology2,7–10. Human mutations impair these SRNS/FSGS pathways, causing
podocytopathies2,7–10.
The proposed research will explore the pathogenic mechanisms underlying two novel monogenic causes of
SRNS/FSGS in human NOS1AP and TRIM8 mutations, which were discovered by the applicant. The applicant’s
preliminary data generated the hypothesis that human NOS1AP and TRIM8 mutations cause SRNS/FSGS
through dysregulation of the CDC42 pathway and TRIM8 E3 ligase functions, respectively. The applicant,
thus, proposes the following specific aims (SAs) using innovative cell biological, proteomics, and mouse
models approaches: (SA1) Define the mechanism of CDC42 dysregulation caused by NOS1AP SRNS
mutations; (SA2) Dissect the pathogenesis of TRIM8 SRNS/FSGS mutations in podocytes; (SA3) Delineate the
pathogenesis of NOS1AP and TRIM8 mutations in SRNS in mice.
The applicant has created a comprehensive career development plan supported by his mentor to (1)
ensure his progress and success in carrying out this research proposal and (2) to facilitate his transition
to an independent research career focused on disease modeling of nephrotic syndrome. This plan begins
with regular meetings with his mentor and advisory committee—national and global academic leaders in
medicine and science—to provide research and career guidance. The plan additionally includes (i) research and
career development seminars, (ii) proteomics and microscopy methodology courses and (iii) activities for career
growth including conference presentations and publications, mentoring of junior trainees, and application for
independent research funding. The applicant and mentor have, also, agreed upon a transition plan to distinguish
himself from the mentor’s laboratory. His training will be carried out in an unparalleled academic environment at
Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, which provides dedicated career development
programs and all necessary research support and supplies through his mentor and institutional core services.
Collectively, this research and career development proposal is a product of the applicant’s ambition and
capacity to transition to an independent research career in nephrology.