Resource for Clinical Studies of AKI (Clinical Research, Genomics and Biorepository)
Director:
Ravindra L. Mehta, M.D., Univ of California, San Diego
Co-Directors:
Daniel O’Connor, M.D., University of California, San Diego
Kumar Sharma, M.D., University of California, San Diego
The objective of the Clinical Research Core is to provide resources to enable interdisciplinary clinical investigation in AKI that will advance our understanding of the natural history and pathophysiology of human AKI, ascertain genetic contributions for susceptibility and prognosis of AKI, enhance our diagnostic specificity and expand our preventive and therapeutic approaches for this disorder. This objective will be implemented in three specific aims:
Clinical research for AKI. Provide core resources for the design and conduct of a wide range of observational and interventional clinical studies in AKI by enhancing and further developing an existing data management system and database of patients with AKI that is flexible in accommodating the research objectives of individual investigators and collaborating centers.
Genomics for AKI. Provide a genomics resource to facilitate the investigation of genetic determinants (both risk and outcome) of AKI, and enable investigators to perform systematic genomic analyses to allow correlation with clinical phenotypic information. This resource has already developed novel genomic predictors of longitudinal course in AKI for our user-base.
Biorespository and biomarkers for AKI. Provide access to various biomarker assays and a biological sample repository linked to the clinical database to enable further characterization of patients. Core A will facilitate both hypothesis-driven and hypothesis-generating clinical research by providing essential resources for clinical investigation and enhancing interactions with the worldwide AKI network (AKIN) of investigators and centers focused on AKI.
The core leverages existing resources at UAB and UCSD and other cores within the O’Brien center to promote the translation of key findings from pre-clinical studies to humans and inform the development of new preclinical models of AKI based on results of clinical studies. A unique aspect of this core is that it provides a resource to enable AKI investigators to perform outstanding systematic genomic and biomarker analyses to support correlation with clinical phenotypes. The research infrastructure is designed to attract new and established investigators to AKI research through mechanisms to support well-designed Pilot and Feasibility projects that promote the development of young investigators. The clinical research core also supports an educational enrichment program to train investigators from the research base in the design and conduct of clinical research in AKI.