This training program is embedded within the research laboratory of Kidney Disease Center in FAHZU, which is one of the top clinical research centers in both nephrology and kidney transplantation in China. The program aims to strengthen the research capacity of medical students, graduate students and junior clinicians by providing a comprehensive training environment with intellectual and technological resources of basic and translational research in kidney diseases.

Combining fundamental knowledge with the latest advancements

Comprehensive training that covers research design, critical think, specific techniques, and research ethics

A variety of techniques in renal physiology, immunology, and molecular biology

Commonly used murine models of acute and chronic kidney disease

The trainees will be able to:

Apply critical thinking and analytical skills in research study design

Select and apply appropriate techniques and instrumentation to solve specific problem

Master basic research techniques and one or two advanced techniques in kidney disease research

Our current study seeks to provide new insight into pathophysiology and potential therapeutic interventions for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Specifically, the ongoing research investigates the regulatory roles of neural and metabolic factors on the immune system, which significantly contribute to renal fibrosis associated with various kidney disorder, such as lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, and maladaptive repair following acute renal injury. In partenership with Dr. Fei Han and other colleagues in the kidney disease center, we also perform immune phenotyping and mechanistic studies to address specific clinical questions.

Projects:

1. Maladaptive repair following acute kidney injury: We investigate the regulatory roles of renal nerves that contribute to the profibrotic milieu in the kidney.

2. Lupus nephritis: We study the mitochondrial and other subcellular metabolic dysfunctions in immune cells that contribute to pathogenesis in this disease

3. Vascular calcification in CKD: We study the roles of key immune cells and mediators that promote arterial calcification in CKD.

Undergraduate students：

At junior (3rd) year or higher

Duration: X weeks/months

Tentatively 3 months or more, depending on the agreement between the mentor and the applicant or referring to the regulations for the corresponding training programs in Zhejiang University or the applicant’ affiliation.

Daily Training Schedule:

To participate in daily research work and discussions in the laboratory and receive corresponding training courses as needed.

Program Training Schedule:

1. Session Name: Kidney Disease Journal Club

Time Duration: (1 hour, at least once a week)

Activities: The tutor will select basic research articles with different focuses and distribute to students for review presentations to the group. Following the presentation, the tutor will facilitate a discussion addressing different aspects in research (e.g. general study design, choice of methodology, research ethics, etc.) to foster critical thinking in research.

Format: Small group discussion

2. Session Name: Common murine disease models and animal experiment techniques

Time Duration: (half a day each session, at least four sessions)

Activities: To teach the use of common murine models for kidney diseases, such as ischemia reperfusion (IR), unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO); provide demo of metabolic cage study and transdermal measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in mice.

Format: Small group discussion and hands-on practice

3. Session Name: Laboratory practice

Time Duration: (based on the detailed training plan and the agreement between the tutor and trainee)

Activities: To engage in the ongoing research work with guidance from tutor and other colleagues in the laboratory. Participants will receive training on basic laboratory techniques such as PCR, Western blot, etc. Training opportunities for more advanced research techniques, such as flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, will be tailored to align with trainees’ interests and progress to ongoing projects. 

Format: Hands-on practice

To write a short review on a field in nephrology or a closely related area of interest, demonstrating an understanding of the current developments and advancements within the discipline.

Feedback: a designed questionnaire, with email and direct conversation as alternatives.

The program is free of charge.

Program Coordinator: XIAO Liang

Email: xiaoliang@zju.edu.cn

Phone: 18768133916