# Advanced MR Imaging and Image Analytics as a Precision Medicine Tool to Manage ADPKD

> **NIH NIH K01** · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · 2020 · $154,915

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The goal of this NIDDK Mentored Research Scientist Development Award is to provide an organized scientific
and educational environment for Dr. Timothy Kline to begin his transition into an independent research career
focused on developing novel imaging technologies and image analysis techniques for abdominal organ
pathologies. This proposal outlines a five-year training plan at Mayo Clinic under the primary mentorship of Dr.
Bradley Erickson and a Mentoring Team comprised of accomplished researchers in the fields of: biology,
nephrology, genetics, radiology, informatics; medical physics, biostatistics, image processing, and physiology.
The focus of this proposal is to improve both research studies and disease prognosis for autosomal dominant
polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients through biomedical imaging techniques. It is well understood that
imaging is essential for ADPKD diagnosis, monitoring, and outcome prediction. Clinical studies utilize total
kidney volume (TKV) (as measured by MRI as an image-based biomarker) to follow the progression of
ADPKD, as larger TKVs have been shown to correlate with worse prognosis in both human and animal-model
studies. However, there are challenges with using TKV as a marker of disease progression. For one, it is a
simplification of the disease state and does not inform on microscopic disease processes that are involved with
piecemeal destruction of healthy renal tissue. In addition, measurements of TKVs are time consuming, costly,
and poorly standardized. The introduction of automated approaches for measuring TKV will: greatly improve
measurement throughput, significantly reduce costs associated with performing research studies, allow
accurate and reproducible measurements to be obtained both within and across institutions; facilitate the
search for new imaging biomarkers. The specific aims of this project are to: (i) develop and validate automated
tools to characterize renal structure, such as TKV and cystic burden; (ii) explore new imaging biomarkers by
image texture feature analysis and pattern recognition techniques; and (iii) develop a new technique to
measure renal blood flow. This research will be facilitated by Mayo Clinic's outstanding clinical and research
environment dedicated to improving patient care, as well as the Mayo Clinic Translational PKD Center, which
focuses on translating basic science research into improvements in the management and treatment of ADPKD
patients. Dr. Kline's background in imaging technologies and image processing makes him particularly suited
to perform this research. In addition to the above aims, Dr. Kline will: 1) develop a strong knowledge base in
both nephrology and radiology by attending relevant rounds, seminars, and national conferences; 2) enhance
his knowledge of medical imaging, biology, physiology, genetics, and programming through coursework and
mentoring; 3) attend workshops focused on grant and publication writing; and 4) submit a highly com...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10011565
- **Project number:** 5K01DK110136-04
- **Recipient organization:** MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy Lee Kline
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $154,915
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2022-09-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10011565

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10011565, Advanced MR Imaging and Image Analytics as a Precision Medicine Tool to Manage ADPKD (5K01DK110136-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10011565. Licensed CC0.

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