Rejuvenating pre-Fibrotic Kidneys for Transplantation Through Epigenetic Editing
Description: Kidney transplantation is vital for end-stage renal disease patients, but the waiting list grows while many donor kidneys are discarded, leading to deaths. Deregulation of fibrosis genes render kidneys unsuitable for transplantation. Modulating the expression of these genes can prevent graft dysfunction. CRISPR-dCas9 fused with epigenetic effectors (epigenetic editing) can permanently up/downregulate genes, without modifying the genome. This project aims to rejuvenate suboptimal donor kidneys before transplantation by epigenetic reprogramming of selected genes related to organ dysfunction. By employing mechanical perfusion and validating the process using pig kidneys, this project envisions to increase the number of kidneys suitable for transplantation.
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: Open Competitie ENW XS pakket 24-3
Start date: 2024-11-15
Investigator: Federica Sarno
Institution: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: OCENW.XS24.3.122
OpenAlex ID: G2892959901