Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of COVID-19 Mediated Kidney Injury

Using our ‘human kidney-on-a-chip’ microphysiological systems (MPS), this project aims to better understand the mechanisms of kidney involvement in COVID-19 infection to foster development of effective therapies beyond supportive care. We aim to 1) Characterize SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) receptor expression, binding, engagement and modulation in kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and microvascular endothelial cells within human kidney and vascular MPS, and 2) Assess SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) candidate therapeutics including recombinant ACE 2, DPP-4 inhibitors, and angiopoietin 1 hyper-signaling constructs for ability to block kidney specific cellular uptake of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and/or alter downstream signaling and injury phenotypes within human kidney and vascular MPS.