Dr. Susan E. Quaggin

Canada Research Chair in Vascular and Metabolic Biology
University of Toronto
Tier 2 - January 1, 2001
Health

Research Involves

Studying the mechanisms of kidney disease at the cellular level

Research Relevance

Development of new research and diagnostic tools

Inside Kidney Disease

Kidney disease affects more than 1 million Canadians. It’s estimated that within five years, the number of people requiring dialysis or transplantation will double—at a direct cost of $10 billion. The exponential increase in new cases each year has researchers doubling their efforts to search for a cause and a cure.

To understand the cause and mechanisms involved in kidney failure, we must first get down to the molecular level. Scientists must examine various components of the kidney to determine how the organ develops in the fetus and how it is destroyed by disease. One methodology for finding the answer to these questions involves the use of animal studies and genetically modified mice.

Dr. Susan Quaggin is regarded as one of the most dynamic and innovative physician-scientists in her field. Her genetic research resulted in the discovery of a protein she named POD 1. This protein has been shown to be vital in the development of the internal components of a healthy kidney and other tissues, including the heart and lungs.

One crucial component of the kidney is the filtration barrier between blood and urine. Podocytes such as POD 1 appear to play an instructive role in building the glomerular filtration barrier. They may also play a role in its destruction. In kidney disease, the barrier is attacked and breaks down—ultimately leading to kidney failure. Little is known about how this occurs. And that’s the focus of Dr. Quaggin’s work.

To get a better understanding of the mechanisms of kidney disease in humans, one must first look to animals. New animal models are needed to test new theories on cellular development. Dr. Quaggin and her team are trying to find differing lines of genetically modified mice, which will carry in them specific genetic characteristics. They’ll use this to discover the exact role that podocytes play in the kidney’s development—and in its destruction by disease.

The Canada Research Chair will provide the additional funding Dr. Quaggin’s lab needs to carry on with her vital research. Her lab already provides a state-of-the-art setting for research and the training of post-doctoral students. There are currently five students training in the facility. It’s expected that the additional funding will allow more trainees to take advantage of the opportunity to complete their studies with Dr. Quaggin here in Canada.

For further information, please contact Dr. Susan E. Quaggin using the Email contact form or by phone at 416 586-4800