Isaac Karel

2025 Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Award

Institution: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy

Project Title: A Novel Approach to Kidney Function Monitoring

How would you sum up your overall research focus in one sentence?

My research centers on the preclinical development of resazurin dye as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR)-independent exogenous biomarker for assessing tubular secretion, nephron mass, and overall kidney function.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

Our recent publication reported the serendipitous discovery of resazurin as a GFR-independent probe of tubular function and nephron mass. This grant will support mechanistic studies to elucidate the transport and metabolism of resazurin within renal tubular cells. This data will establish a foundation for the continued development and potential clinical translation of this novel functional biomarker.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

When I began my PhD program at Ohio State, my interest in the field of nephrology deepened dramatically under the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Navjot Pabla. I learned of the limitations in sensitivity and timing of current diagnostic approaches for acute kidney injury (AKI), and the existence of a window in the early phase of AKI where therapeutic intervention could be most effective. Becoming aware of this gap in diagnostic capability has laid the foundation for my inspiration and motivated me to conduct my dissertation research in this area.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

I hope my research will contribute to the development of more sensitive and robust diagnostic tools for early detection of kidney dysfunction. Earlier identification of renal injury may enable timely intervention, potentially slowing or preventing irreversible kidney damage and improving long-term patient outcomes.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

By the end of the grant period, my goal is to publish my findings, present them at ASN Kidney Week and incorporate the work into my dissertation to complete my PhD. Over the next five years, I plan to complete postdoctoral training within the field of nephrology, with a focus on early-stage AKI, specifically in renal diagnostics or therapeutic development. In ten years, I aspire to establish my own independent research program that translates fundamental discoveries into clinically actionable strategies for kidney disease.

What are the major challenges to beginning a career in kidney research today?

One of the most significant challenges is the uncertainty surrounding sustained funding for biomedical research, which can hinder the transition to research independence. Continued support from organizations like ASN is vital for enabling early-career investigators to establish themselves in the field.

Something you may not know about me is…

My first research project involved studying the effects of light exposure on my pet hamster's sleep cycle for my 9th grade science fair. This project sparked my interest in biomedical research.

In my free time I like to…

Go on hikes with my dog, play soccer, drink tea, and play strategy games.