Supramolecular peptide library

Creation of a supramolecular peptide library to induce renal epithelial monolayer formation for kidney replacement therapies

Project description:

Current dialysis treatments for kidney disease fail in clearing protein bound uremic toxins from the blood. Accumulation of such toxins increase patient morbidity and mortality. One improvement to be made is the introduction of renal epithelial cells on hemodialysis membranes, these cells allow for active clearance of protein bound uremic toxins from the blood, and nutrient and water resorption to the blood. A functional monolayer of renal epithelial cells requires an instructive biomaterial. Our biomaterials are on a supramolecular basis which allows for an easy mix and match of the base biomaterial and bioactive compounds such as adhesion peptides.

In this project several peptides mimicking extra cellular matrix components (e.g. collagens, fibronectin, and laminin) will be conjugated to supramolecular moieties to create a versatile library. The library is then employed to create a renal epithelial monolayer which is capable of active transport required for blood clearance.

Employed techniques:

• Peptide synthesis
• Supramolecular functionalization of peptides
• Chemical analysis methods (NMR, LC-MS etc.)
• Cell culture
• Monolayer assessment (immunofluorescence, gene expression, transport studies)