# Molecular genetic mechanisms of renal cell regeneration

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2022 · $169,560

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The goals of this project are to 1) define the functions of Pax2 and Pax8 in recovery from kidney injury and 2)
provide the candidate with detailed training to facilitate an independent research career in renal regenerative
medicine. How the regeneration of renal epithelia is controlled remains poorly understood. Pax2 and Pax8 are
two homologous proteins that are re-expressed in regenerating renal epithelia after kidney injury, but their
function in these cells is unknown. Pax2 and Pax8 also are essential for normal kidney development and can
recruit histone methyltransferase complexes that can modify chromatin accessibility. Our preliminary data
show that selective deletion of Pax2 and Pax8 in the proximal tubule results in decreased renal epithelial
proliferation and impaired recovery after kidney injury. These observations suggest the hypothesis that Pax2
and/or Pax8 regulate regeneration by promoting de-differentiation, entry into mitosis, and the reestablishment
of epigenetic marks. Our first aim is to define the steps in renal epithelial regeneration that are dysregulated by
Pax2 and Pax8 deletion. Our second aim is to identify critical regeneration pathways regulated by Pax2- and/or
Pax8-mediated epigenetic modifications. These studies will form an experimental framework for training the
candidate in the epithelial biology of renal regeneration, epigenetics, transgenic animals, animal models of
kidney injury, and bioinformatics. Training at the bench will be supplemented with didactic courses, workshops,
and conferences. A mentorship team of established investigators in renal regeneration, renal physiology, and
bioinformatic analysis of kidney diseases has been assembled to guide the candidate through these
experiments and training activities to ensure a successful transition to independence. New expertise in the
biology of renal regeneration will augment the candidate’s prior experience in clinical nephrology and
biomaterials engineering to enable an independent and unique career studying renal regeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10397646
- **Project number:** 5K08DK125776-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey Alan Beamish
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $169,560
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10397646

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10397646, Molecular genetic mechanisms of renal cell regeneration (5K08DK125776-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10397646. Licensed CC0.

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