Advancing Kidney Science for Enhanced Quality of Life

The research vision for the Penn-CHOP Kidney Innovation Center is for every person affected by kidney disease to be informed about, participate in and benefit from the Center's research via transformative basic discoveries and innovative translational and clinical medicine.

The Center focuses on six main research areas:

Chronic Kidney Disease

Our research in chronic kidney disease is constantly evolving, with advances in understanding the disease, improving patient outcomes, and developing more effective management strategies. These studies are interdisciplinary, involving nephrology, epidemiology, genetics, pharmacology, and public health.

Kidney Genetics

The center focuses on kidney genetic research to study the genetic factors and their roles in kidney function and diseases. Genetics plays a significant role in the health and diseases of the kidneys. Kidney genetics is a rapidly evolving field, and discoveries in this area have significant implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of kidney-related diseases.

Transplant Biology

Kidney transplant biology research in our center aims to help people with end-stage kidney failure to prolong life and avoid or eliminate the need for dialysis. 

Penn/CHOP Immune and Glomerular Disease Program

The program is dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of immune-related and glomerular diseases affecting the kidneys. 

Kidney Development and Maturation

The center is devoted to understanding kidney development and maturation which is crucial for recognizing and managing congenital kidney diseases, as well as for potential regenerative medicine approaches, such as the development of bioengineered kidneys.

Metabolism and Diabetes

The KIC scientists are dedicated to studying metabolism and diabetes which play critical roles in kidney disease. The kidneys are deeply involved in the body's metabolic processes and can be significantly impacted by metabolic disorders like diabetes.