Coschigano
received a two-year $221,250 NIH award in March for her
grant proposal, “Cross-talk
between growth hormone and inflammation pathways in
kidney damage.”
“Evidence is
mounting that the innate immune system plays a role in
the development of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes,
as well as the ensuing complications, including
nephropathy [kidney disease],” Coschigano said.
She and her team
study kidney damage in mice with different levels of
growth hormone (GH) signaling, ranging from
over-expression to complete lack of GH signaling. They
already have linked over-expressed GH signaling with
increased inflammation in kidney damage. This NIH study
will test the effects of disrupted GH signaling on such
inflammation.
Coschigano has
studied the effects of growth hormone on kidney damage
for about 12 years—ever since she came to the university
as a postdoctoral researcher to work with John
Kopchick, Ph.D., Goll-Ohio Professor of Molecular
and Cellular Biology at OU-HCOM and the Edison
Biotechnology Institute.
According to
Coschigano, this research could aid the design of
targeted diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of
diabetic kidney disease—while engaging students in the
process.
“The
main goal of this NIH AREA (Academic Research
Enhancement Award) grant is to fund research that
involves students,” Coschigano said. “Hands-on
experience was provided to me as an undergraduate, and
it played a major role in my career decision. This award
allows me to provide similar opportunities to students
and to increase our knowledge of a devastating disease,
diabetic nephropathy.”
