Jenna Ference-Salo
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Jeffrey Beamish
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology Division / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Authors: Jeffery Beamish, Jenna Ference-Salo
Abstract
Introduction Current treatments for kidney failure are associated with poor quality of life and high mortality rates. We aim to utilize the kidney’s regeneration ability to engineer new treatments for kidney failure. Unfortunately, when kidney cells are removed from the body, they lose their ability to function. Preliminary data have identified pathways associated with hypoxia as being primary drivers of that loss of function. Based on our models of transport, oxygen diffusion is not adequate to meet the oxygen requirements of functional kidney cells in vitro. We hypothesize that providing sufficient oxygenation to the epithelial cells will help them maintain their function. Methods We have begun to build the framework to determine whether adequate oxygenation of epithelial cells helps maintain function. To do this, we have obtained and calibrated oxygen sensors to measure transport. We will use these sensors to test and measure oxygen permeability diffusion through a culture insert that can support kidney cell culture. We designed a custom apparatus using 3D printing technologies to make these measurements. This apparatus has been designed to ensure the oxygen sensors only measure oxygen flow through the culture inserts and not from an outside source. Likewise, we have generated several prototype models for the device that will transport oxygen to cultured kidney cells in vitro. Results We have calibrated and tested the oxygen sensors adequately. We have also redesigned our first apparatus prototype for testing oxygen diffusion rate through culture inserts. We have also made many prototypes for final oxygenation devices. Conclusion We have found that a custom apparatus was needed to accurately test oxygen diffusion through the culture inserts. We have successfully designed and printed several iterations and have nearly finalized a design. From this research, we hope to determine whether supplemental oxygenation to cultured epithelial cells will help cells retain their function in vitro.
