Impact of preterm birth on renal proximal tubule development

Background: Approximately 10% of infants worldwide are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation), at a time when their kidneys are still structurally and functionally immature. We have previously shown that infants born preterm have impaired kidney function following preterm birth, with high levels of urine protein excretion (suggestive of proximal tubule dysfunction) and indicators of renal tubular injury (high levels of urine NGAL). The impact of preterm birth on the growth and structure of the renal proximal tubules, however, is as yet unknown. Project aims/s: To determine the impact of preterm birth on renal proximal tubule development in human neonates. Techniques to be utilised: This study will involve histological, stereological, and immunofluorescent analyses of kidney tissue collected at autopsy from deceased preterm neonates and stillborn fetuses.