# Engineering scalable collecting duct networks for functional kidney tissue

> **NIH NIH F32** · HARVARD UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $70,082

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The proposal outlines an integrated research and career development plan for Kayla Wolf, PhD, to complete
postdoctoral training under the mentorship of sponsor Jennifer Lewis, ScD, and co-sponsor Lisa Satlin, MD. The
overarching goal of the proposed project to develop a functional collecting duct network that is derived from
human pluripotent stem cells and interconnected with a single drainage outlet. This network could serve as a
model system for hypothesis testing, disease modeling, and drug screening or could interconnect directly with
nephron-rich organoids to facilitate filtrate drainage in 3D kidney tissues. Recognizing that the extracellular matrix
(ECM) plays a crucial role in development, this proposal with both investigate the role of ECM in collecting duct
differentiation and leverage biomaterials as a powerful tool for guiding tissue form and function. Development of
the collecting duct system will be accomplished by the completion of three aims. First, ureteric bud cells (UB,
collecting duct precursors) generated from emerging differentiation protocols will be validated, and the effects of
adapting the protocol to scalable culture methods on UB phenotype will be tested. Second, the role of
extracellular matrix (ECM) composition on UB morphological and functional differentiation will be determined.
Finally, the effects of fabricating a drainage outlet in a branching UB network on transport protein expression
and function will be determined. Successful completion of this proposal will elucidate the role of ECM in driving
collecting duct development, advance biofabrication methodology, and produce critically needed engineering
solutions for generating functional kidney tissue.
Dr. Wolf (PI) was supported by an NIH F31 fellowship (F31 CA228317-01) during her graduate research, where
she established expertise in biomaterials, bioengineering, and mechanobiology. Under NIH F32 support, the PI
receive extensive training in biofabrication and renal physiology at Harvard University, which cultivates a well-
established, globally-leading biomedical research environment. The career development plan is designed to
equip the PI with the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful career as an independent academic
researcher.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10536752
- **Project number:** 1F32DK131821-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kayla Wolf
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $70,082
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10536752

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10536752, Engineering scalable collecting duct networks for functional kidney tissue (1F32DK131821-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10536752. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*