Shivani Sharma, PhD

2026 Ben J. Lipps Research Fellowship

Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

Project Title: Role of Mitochondrial Pyruvate Complex-2 (MPC2) in Chronic Kidney Disease

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

This study explores how inhibiting the MPC may protect against chronic kidney disease by enhancing mitophagy and shifting kidney metabolism back toward fatty acid oxidation.

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

With support from this grant, I will investigate how inhibition of MPC2 protects against chronic kidney disease by reprogramming tubular cell metabolism and improving mitochondrial quality control. Using in vivo CKD models and in vitro proximal tubule cells, I will test whether MPC2 inhibition activates AMPK-dependent mitophagy and shifts metabolism from glucose utilization toward fatty acid oxidation, including peroxisomal FAO. These studies will combine genetic and pharmacologic approaches with advanced metabolic and imaging techniques to define the mechanisms by which MPC inhibition preserves kidney function and reduces fibrosis.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

My interest in this area was inspired by the need to better understand why proximal tubule metabolism becomes dysregulated in chronic kidney disease and how these metabolic changes drive fibrosis and kidney failure. Observations that injured tubular cells shift away from fatty acid oxidation toward glucose metabolism, along with emerging evidence that targeting mitochondrial metabolism can be protective, motivated me to investigate MPC inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.

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

We hope this research will lead to new, safe treatments that slow or prevent chronic kidney disease progression by protecting kidney cells, reducing fibrosis, and preserving kidney function.

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

At the end of the grant period, my goal is to establish a strong foundation in kidney metabolism and mitochondrial biology research, generate impactful publications, and secure independent funding. Within five years, I aim to lead an independent research program focused on developing metabolic therapies for chronic kidney disease. Over the next ten years, I hope to become a leader in nephrology research, translating mechanistic discoveries into novel therapies that improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease.

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

Major challenges in beginning a career in nephrology research include limited funding opportunities, the complexity of kidney disease mechanisms, and the technical demands of in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Early-career researchers also face challenges in establishing independent research programs, generating high-impact data, and balancing productivity with the competitive nature of biomedical research.

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

I would encourage others to apply because this funding provides not only critical research support, but also valuable opportunities for advanced training, mentorship, scientific networking, and career development that can significantly strengthen an early-career investigator's path toward independence.

Something you may not know about me is…

that I am a dedicated and caring person who thrives in a team environment. I value collaboration, have strong leadership skills, and enjoy helping others overcome challenges. I am proactive, work well with others, and always aim to contribute positively to any team or project.

In my free time…

I enjoy exploring new places, watching movies, cooking, especially trying out new recipes and staying active through exercise.