Abstract
Objectives/Goals: This research aims to identify genetic alterations influencing congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and bridge a fundamental gap in understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying kidney development, with the long-term goal of enhancing treatments for congenital renal anomalies. Methods/Study Population: We will use a loss-of-function approach in combination with immunofluorescent microscopy techniques to determine the influence of Dnmbp perturbation on Daam1 localization, actin assembly, and junctional turnover. Additionally, to establish a foundation for delineating the molecular mechanism of DNMBP during kidney development, we will utilize clinical whole exome sequencing data to identify human DNMBP mutations associated with urogenital anomalies. Furthermore, we will determine whether human DNMBP mutations linked to CAKUT lead to disruptions in nephron development through loss-of-function rescue experiments in Xenopus. Results/Anticipated Results: Here, we evaluate the dynamics of Dnmbp-mediated transport of Daam1 within the developing kidney and show preliminary data suggesting that Dnmbp and Daam1 directly interact to promote adhesive contact formation between nephron progenitor cells. Furthermore, we propose a model in which Dnmbp functions as a critical regulator of epithelial tissue morphogenesis and provides a functional link between the dynamic processes of actin cytoskeleton regulation, intracellular adhesion, and vesicular transport. Future studies will determine whether Dnmbp interaction with Daam1 facilitates junctional actin assembly by directing Daam1 to cell–cell contact sites via Dnmbp-associated vesicle targeting, enhancing our understanding of the cellular mechanisms influencing tubule morphogenesis. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This research will establish a previously unknown role for DNMBP in kidney development and provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of simultaneously regulating vesicular transport and actin dynamics in nephrogenesis.