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 1^st 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

News Articles

• Rasheed Gbadegesin Elected to the Association of American Physicians

• CLVS1 candidate gene for childhood SSNS article

• Three DMPI faculty members awarded Distinguished Professorships

• Gbadegesin Named Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist Development

• 2020 Borden Scholars

• Rasheed Gbadegesin gives Michelle P Winn, MD Endowed Lectureship talk at ASN

Duke Pediatrics

Duke Pediatric Nephrology 

Duke Nephrology

American Society of Nephrology

American Society of Pediatric Nephrology

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Doris Duke Foundation

Nephcure Foundation 

Duke O'Brien Kidney Center 

International Society of Nephrology