Professor of Pediatrics
Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist Development
Director of the Office of Physician-Science Development in the School of Medicine
Professor in Medicine
Affiliate of the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute
Carmichael Building
(919) 681-5543
rasheed.gbadegesin@duke.edu
RESEARCH
The major focus of our laboratory is to understand the molecular pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome (NS) and ultimately identify novel and non-toxic therapeutic targets for the treatment of this common kidney disease. In line with this broad goal, we have been examining the molecular causes of NS and other inheritable kidney conditions using different genomic tools. In the last fifteen years, my colleagues and I have identified novel single gene causes of NS due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis [FSGS] (RCAN1, ANLN, ARHGAP24, COQ6, PLCE1)(1,2,3,4,5), monogenic cause of childhood steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome SSNS (CLVS1)(6) multiple disease risk loci for SSNS(7,8,9), and a new gene for vesicoureteric reflux [VUR] (a common congenital malformation of the kidney and the urinary tract)(10). In addition, we have published multiple landmark papers on genotype phenotype correlation and papers addressing overlap between different glomerular diseases(11,12).
We and our collaborators have continued to characterize the mechanisms by which these genes can cause nephrotic syndrome, and recently identified biomarkers of disease, and druggable pathways that may treat these genetic defects and the more common idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. We are using multiple cell biology tools, iPSC derived podocytes, and kidney organoids to address these questions. In addition, we have created a robust bio-repository for childhood nephrotic syndrome by world-wide collaboration and networking, and we are also playing a leading role in national and international networks that are unraveling the genetic basis for excess of chronic kidney diseases in people of African ancestry.
Lab Members
Brandon Lane PhD: Research Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, Effective February 1st 2023
Clinical Research Fellows
Rachel Cason, MD
Mital Patel, MD
Loryn Wilson Dass, MD
Anna Williams, MD
Lab Technicians/Research Analysts
Guanghong Wu, BS
Megan Chryst-Stangl, MS
Research Coordinator
Jessica Hester, BS
Undergraduate student
Kinsie Huggins
PUBLICATIONS
LINKS
Rasheed and DSA High School student intern Justin