Nephrology & Hypertension Research
Translational research in transplantation is a major focus of our research efforts. We have resolved signaling requirements of T cells, mechanisms of action of immunosuppressive drugs, mechanisms of post-transplant malignancy, and developed molecular assays for assessing transplant status. We have demonstrated that T cell CD2 antigen is a signaling receptor for antigen presenting cells and resolved a T cell co-stimulation pathway of importance to transplantation (reported in J Exp Med 1990). We discovered a novel mechanism for cancer metastasis (Nature 1999) and identified new treatments that preserve transplant function while blocking tumor progression (Transplantation 2002 and Kidney International 2003). We have developed noninvasive and nucleic acid based assays for the prediction of transplant status and outcome (NEJM 2001 and NEJM 2005). We have contributed to the first ever induction of tolerance to HLA- mismatched kidney transplants (reported in NEJM 2008). Our research in type 1 diabetes has resulted in the first successful human pancreatic islet transplantation in the tri-state area, and in a curative cell therapy for type 1 diabetes (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2007).
Transplantation Laboratory
The Transplantation Laboratory, within the Division, has made substantive contributions in the areas of transplant immunology and molecular biology, and has resolved mechanisms of action of immunosuppressive drugs, signaling requirements of T cells, mechanisms of post transplant malignancy, and molecular diagnostics. We are refining gene expression profiles to accurately predict organ transplant status. In our recent studies, we have found that the two major complications affecting all organ transplants, acute rejection and chronic rejection, can be predicted with greater than 95% accuracy with the use of the gene expression panel developed in our laboratory (reported NEJM 2001 and NEJM 2005). One of our major goals is to use the gene expression profiles of transplant patients to reduce drug therapy and minimize or eliminate drug related complications such as life threatening infections or malignancy. Our gene profiling studies should pave the way for the safe induction of transplantation tolerance. In this regard, our molecular studies have already contributed to the first ever induction of tolerance to HLA- mismatched kidney transplants (reported in NEJM 2008).
Diabetes Research Laboratory
The Diabetes Research Laboratory includes Human Islet Isolation Center responsible for the first successful human islet transplantation in the tri-state area. In 2007, we developed a new type of cell therapy, in collaboration with Dr. R. M. Steinman of Rockefeller University, that may cure type 1 diabetes as well as protect the transplanted islets from autoimmune destruction characteristic of type 1 diabetes (reported in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2007). We have also developed a novel protocol to improve the function of transplanted islets (Reported in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 18: 213-22, 2007).
There are two major challenges to wide spread use of islet transplantation in type 1 diabetic patients. They are: (1) the need for life long immunosuppressive therapy; and (2) the need for a large islet mass (usually islets from 2 pancreata are required to make a patient insulin independent). In collaboration with Dr. R.G. Crystal (Chief of the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell), we have developed a systemic transforming growth factor beta1 gene therapy that obviates the need for immunosuppressive therapy to protect islet grafts. In collaboration with Dr. K. Manova (MSKCC), we have developed methods to accurately assess islet status using confocal laser microscopy. Importantly, we demonstrated that systemic transforming growth factor beta1 gene therapy can restore self tolerance and facilitate regeneration of beta cell function in a stringent mouse model of type 1 diabetes (Luo et al. Transplantation 2005).
The current barriers to successful clinical islet transplantation include the need for life long immunosuppressive therapy and the need for a large islet mass. Our research discoveries hold considerable promise for overcoming these barriers. Our research results from NIH and JDRF sponsored studies of islet transplantation have been presented at the following National Meetings: American Society of Nephrology 2006, American Transplant Congress 2007, American Diabetes Association 2007.
Research Studies
The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension has ongoing studies that are actively enrolling for recruitment. Our innovative research has enabled us to develop and better understand diseases affecting the kidney and renal systems, and alternative non-invasive ways to detecting allograft dysfunction. Under the direction of Dr. Manikkam Suthanthiran, the Division continues to grow and expand its research and make significant scientific contributions to the medical world.
We participate in research studies involving the following conditions/diseases that can be found on the Clinical Trials site for the Weill Department of Medicine. Click on the headings below for further information.
Closed to Enrollment/Retrospective Chart Reviews
Hypertension Treatment Assessment and Quality Assurance and Research
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Hypertension
- PI: Dr. August
A Multicenter, Phase 2, Open—Label, Controlled, Extension Study for Stage 1 SUBJECTS of Study A3921009 to Evaluate the Long—Term Safety and Efficacy of CP—690,550 versus Tacrolimus, When Co—Administered with Mycophenolate Mofetil in Renal Allograft Recipients
- Sponsor: Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Dadhania
Characterization of Immune Function in Transplant Recipients
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Dadhania
Correlation of Donor Proinflammatory mRNA Profiles with Early Outcomes of Thoracic and Abdominal Transplantation-CTOT 3
- Sponsor: NIH; Qatar National Research Foundation (QNRF)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Organ Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Dadhania
Renal Transplantation for Patients with End Stage Renal Disease and ABO Incompatible Donors
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Dadhania
The Impact of PCP Prophylaxis on Renal Transplantation
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Lee
The Impact of Vitamin D Status on Renal Transplant Outcomes
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Lee
Nebivolol versus Metoprolol: Comparative Effects on Fatigue and Quality of Life (QOL)
- Sponsor: Forest Research Institute, Inc.
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Hypertension
- PI: Dr. Mann
A Multi-center Study of Prevalence and Potential Contributors to Burnout Among Resident Physicians starting in Medicine in 2011-2012
- Sponsor: Mt. Sinai
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Healthy Resident Physicians
- PI: Dr. Pecker
Cytokine Levels in Hypertensive and Normotensive Individuals
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Hypertension; Healthy Volunteers
- PI: Dr. Suthanthiran
TGF-beta and the Progression of Renal Disease
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Renal Disease
- PI: Dr. Suthanthiran
TGF-beta and Excess Renal Disease in African Americans
- Sponsor: Internal Funding (WCMC)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Renal Disease
- PI: Dr. Suthanthiran
Collaborative Research Studies with Division of Transplant Surgery
Thymoglobulin Induction Therapy with Minimal Immunosuppression and Evaluation of Allograft Status by Biopsy and mRNA Profiles (TIMELY II)
- Study Status: Open to Enrollment
- Sponsor: NIH; Qatar National Research Foundation (QNRF); Genzyme Corporation
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Kapur
mRNA and microRNA Profiles in Renal Transplant at the Time of Organ Reperfusion
- Study Status: Open to Enrollment
- Sponsor: Qatar National Research Foundation (QNRF)
- Disease Status and/or Stage: Kidney Transplant Recipients
- PI: Dr. Kim
For additional clinical trial studies under the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, please visit The Rogosin Institute.
CONTACT US
Nephrology and Hypertension
Manikkam Suthanthiran, MD, Chief
Anita Mesi, MBA, Administrator
Room: S-829
Tel: (212) 746-4430
Fax: (212) 746-6894
[email protected]
CLINICAL TRIALS
Click here to view Nephrology and Hypertension Clinical Trials
