# The Role of Nephronectin in Glomerular Development and Function

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $364,500

## Abstract

Project abstract:
The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) forms a critical component of glomeruli, and is
comprised of numerous proteins, many of whose individual functions are unknown. Much of the
GBM is located between podocytes and endothelia, however, it also interacts directly with
mesangial cells, a pericyte-like, contractile, support cell. Very little is known about the individual
GBM proteins involved in this interaction and the role these interactions play in glomerular
structure and function throughout development and in adulthood. In preliminary studies, we have
identified a novel GBM-mesangial cell adhesion that contains the GBM protein nephronectin. We
find that nephronectin is essential for development of the glomerular tuft, and also plays a role in
maintenance of glomerular structure. We therefore propose to 1) determine the role of
nephronectin in various stages of glomerulogenesis, 2) test its role in mediating stability of
glomerular structure in mature kidneys, and 3) dissect the role of nephronectin-integrin signaling
in cultured cells. Through these studies, we will greatly expand our understanding of GBM-
mesangial cell interactions. Gaining molecular knowledge of these interactions and their function
will be a critical step to understanding glomerular biology, and may contribute to directed therapies
for glomerular disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9957098
- **Project number:** 5R01DK118032-03
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** DENISE K MARCIANO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $364,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-20 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9957098

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9957098, The Role of Nephronectin in Glomerular Development and Function (5R01DK118032-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9957098. Licensed CC0.

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