Kidney Development and Cyst Formation - Caroline R. Sussman

Characterization of Pinwheel, a Mutant Zebrafish

A forward genetic mutagenesis screen in the laboratory of Stephen C. Ekker, Ph.D., identified a mutant zebrafish, which is named pinwheel. These fish swim in circles — resembling a pinwheel — and develop renal cysts and tubule dilation during embryogenesis.

Dr. Sussman's lab is working with Dr. Ekker; Peter C. Harris, Ph.D.; Vicente Torres, M.D, Ph.D.; and Christopher Ward, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., to characterize the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these renal changes.