# Removal of apoptotic cells during acute kidney injury

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2022 · $152,291

## Abstract

Project Summary
This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) application describes a career development and
research plan designed to position me as an independent investigator in phagocytosis of apoptotic cell
(efferocytosis) in kidney injuries. The main research focus is establishing a way to ameliorate acute kidney
injury (AKI), a significant clinical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality, which predisposes
individuals to chronic renal disease or even death. Our current knowledge suggests that efferocytosis is
triggered during AKI and that defects in this process lead to exacerbation of the pathology. However, there is a
significant lack of knowledge as to whether boosting efferocytosis results in faster resolution of AKI, and in
addition, which cell type(s) should be targeted has not been explored. To this end, we established a novel way
to facilitate apoptotic cell clearance by modifying one of the phagocytic receptors to be more active and have
applied this to generate a unique mouse model system. I believe this approach will provide proof of principle
that enhancing efferocytosis as an approach to enhance rapid resolution and prevention of chronic progressive
fibrosis. My preliminary data suggest expression of this phagocytic receptor enhances efferocytosis in primary
macrophages and human proximal tubular epithelial cell line. In the current proposal, we will elucidate: 1) the
effect of boosting efferocytosis on AKI by using bilateral ischemia reperfusion (IRI) model, 2) identify the cell
type(s) in which enhancing apoptotic cell removal affects kidney injuries. The knowledge gained from this
project will open up a new research to find a way to target phagocyte to promote efferocytosis for kidney injury
therapies.
Through this research plan we will 1) use our uniquely created hyper-phagocytic transgenic mouse model for
the first time in the field, 2) become proficient with rodent kidney injury models, and 3) develop an
understanding of renal physiology with the ultimate goal of establishing and funding an independent laboratory
focused on cures and treatments for acute kidney diseases. The career development plan includes training in
kidney injury models under the guidance of Dr. Mark D. Okusa at the University of Virginia (UVA) and didactic
course work through NIH P50 O'Brien (UAB) to equip me with advanced and comprehensive knowledge of
kidney disease models and physiology. For this award, I will be mentored by Dr. Kodi S. Ravichandran, a
recognized expert in phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Additional assistance in planning, troubleshooting, and
interpreting results will be provided by Dr. Peter Lobo, Dr. Rahul Sharma and Dr. Victor H. Engelhard for
immunology. After successful completion of this training program, an independent NIH funded R01 application
will be submitted in the latter part of the K01 award.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10359797
- **Project number:** 5K01DK123497-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sho Morioka
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $152,291
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-03-20 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10359797

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10359797, Removal of apoptotic cells during acute kidney injury (5K01DK123497-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10359797. Licensed CC0.

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