Cell & Genome Engineering Core

The general aim of the Cell and Genome Engineering Core is to provide stable genetic modification of kidney cells using CRISPR/Cas9 and transposon vectors for the nephrology community. It will also facilitate research efforts by isolating specific cell types from mouse and human kidneys for protein/RNA analysis and cell culture.

Core Assays and Service

Genome Engineering

We offer the following complementary approaches within our state-of-the-art genome engineering toolkit for genetically modifying kidney cells for a variety of applications from disease modeling to developing therapeutics:

Transposon-mediated genome engineering
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome engineering of endogenous loci.
In vivo genome engineering of animal models

Immortalization of Specific Renal Cells

We are able to prepare primary or immortalized cultures of specific renal cells from transgenic mice.

Isolate Cells for RNA and/or Protein Analysis for Specific Nephron Segments

We can isolate cells for RNA and/or protein analysis from specific tubular segments or glomerular cells from injured mice or genetic models for further genetic or biochemical analysis.

Validate Methods for Isolating Proximal Tubules and Podoyctes from Normal Humans

An RNA and protein repository will be built from renal cells isolated from both patients with normal renal function and those with chronic kidney disease. These samples will be used for proteomic and transcriptomic profiling and linked in a database with both key clinical information and renal pathologic diagnoses.