Tomokazu Souma, MD, PhD - Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant (2019)

Name: Tomokazu Souma, MD, PhD

Institution: Duke University

Grant: Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant (2019)

Project Title: Harnessing Antioxidative Stress Pathways in Renal Epithelial Progenitors To Prevent AKI-to-CKD Transition

 

How would you sum up your research in one sentence?

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

Name: Tomokazu Souma, MD, PhD

Institution: Duke University

Grant: Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant (2019)

Project Title: Harnessing Antioxidative Stress Pathways in Renal Epithelial Progenitors To Prevent AKI-to-CKD Transition
 

How would you sum up your research in one sentence?

  • My research primarily focuses on understanding cellular stress adaptive pathways in kidneys with the ultimate goal to harness these pathways for therapeutic uses to prevent kidney disease progression in patients. 
     

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

  • The goal of my project is to investigate the functions of antioxidative stress pathways in the transition of acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). We will use multiple transgenic mouse lines to address this research aim.
     

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

  • The kidney has always been my favorite organ to study. I was fascinated when I first learned the beautiful structure and functions of kidneys. I cannot forget the excitement I got when I observed the intricate network of renal erythropoietin-producing cells. My prior clinical and research training has inspired me and guided me to focus on the cellular stress adaptation pathways in kidneys.
     

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

  • I hope that our research improves our understanding as to how renal repair is impeded after severe AKI and provides a scientific foundation for testing novel therapies for patients with AKI in future clinical trials.
     

What are your short and long-term career goals?

  • I hope to continue growing my research program with this ASN grant and subsequent funding. In the next five to ten years, I hope to identify novel mechanisms underlying kidney diseases and develop a solid scientific foundation for future innovative therapies. I hope I can also be a good mentor for my current and prospective trainees.
     

What has surprised you most about your career?

  • I have been so fortunate to meet multiple great scientists throughout my early career. All the encounter shaped my career path and provided me incredible opportunities. I would like to thank Drs. Mitchell Halperin, Susan Quaggin, Myles Wolf, Jing Jin, Brigid Hogan, Masayuki Yamamoto, and my excellent colleagues.
     

What are the major challenges facing nephrology research today?

  • The current technological advancements are so rapid and transformative. However, partly based on the complexity of renal structure and function, we have not utilized the newest revolutionizing technologies well. Multidisciplinary collaboration with scientists in other fields would facilitate our discoveries.
     

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

  • This is an excellent mechanism for supporting early career investigators in nephrology toward research independence. I encourage all eligible early career scientists to apply for this prestigious award.
     

Something you may not know about me is…

  • I have been in the US for more than five years. Time passed so quickly.
     

In my free time I like to…

  • Spend time with my family. Play with kids, watch movies, and travel.
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