# Noninvasive molecular imaging of complement biomarkers in kidney disease

> **NIH NIH K99** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2024 · $90,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This K99/R00 application aims to provide support for Dr. Felix Poppelaars, a talented postdoctoral fellow in the
laboratory of Dr. Joshua Thurman, to conduct further research and training that will allow him to successfully
transition into an independent investigator in the field of kidney immunology. As part of the K99 training plan, he
will expand his knowledge and skills in molecular imaging of complement activation needed to establish himself
as a leader in translational research of complement biology in nephrology. Furthermore, he will enhance his
intellectual and professional skills, gain valuable mentorship, and participate in various career development
activities, that will fast-track him to reach scientific independence. Guided by strong preliminary data, his
proposed research project aims to develop an innovative medical tool for the visualization and quantification of
complement deposition in the kidney, using antibody-based positron emission tomography (Immuno-PET)
imaging. Activation of the complement system results in the deposition of smaller fragments on tissue.
Complement deposition is often present in the renal biopsy of patients with kidney disease, making it an attractive
target-of-interest for molecular imaging. Dr. Poppelaars will first (Aim 1A) uncover the molecular footprint
associated with complement deposition in kidney disease using a multi-omics approach in mice. With training
from leading experts, he will then (Aim 2A) examine the application of PET imaging of complement deposition in
mice with kidney disease for disease staging and prognostication. After transitioning to a faculty position, Dr.
Poppelaars will (Aim 1B) characterize the in vivo kinetics of complement deposition during kidney disease,
followed by (Aim 2B) longitudinal studies of PET imaging of complement deposition in mice with kidney disease
to monitor treatment responses. Finally, he will (Aim 3) translate his findings to humans by establishing the
feasibility of ex-vivo PET imaging of complement deposition in discarded donor kidneys. Overall, the proposed
research has the potential to improve the care and outcomes of patients with kidney disease, by 1.) enabling
longitudinal noninvasive evaluation, 2.) tailoring treatment plans, and 3.) advancing our mechanistic
understanding of the pathophysiology of kidney disease. In addition, the proposed research will open exciting
avenues for future fundable research in the field of kidney transplantation. The primary mentor, Dr. Thurman,
and co-mentor, Dr. Michael Holers, are internationally recognized and NIH-funded scientists with a strong history
of successful mentoring in translational immunological research. With their guidance and the support of the
advisory team members Dr. Jason Lewis, Dr. Laura Barisoni, and Carl Atkinson, as well as collaborators, Dr.
Poppelaars will be able to successfully complete the proposed research and training plan and transition to an
independent, ex...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10984320
- **Project number:** 1K99DK138301-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Felix Poppelaars
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $90,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10984320

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10984320, Noninvasive molecular imaging of complement biomarkers in kidney disease (1K99DK138301-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10984320. Licensed CC0.

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