Light microscopy, electron microscopy, immunomorphologic, molecular biology and genetic investigations of malignant and nonmalignant renal diseases.

The results of our previously conducted immunohistochemical studies have shown the importance of the disorder of adhesion molecules, proteins of apoptosis and cell cycle proteins in certain types of renal tumors of genetic origin. The logical step in further investigations is identifying these genes. Also, we would analyze the genetic disorders that code proteins in non-malignant kidney diseases. Along with this, we will analyze a marker of tubular damage (KIM-1, Kidney Injury Molecule-1). Expected results: The identification of genes of cellular adhesion, apoptosis and cell cycle will shed new light on the etiopathogenesis of the Wilm's tumor as well as other forms of adult renal tumors. One of the aims of our study is to document tissue biomarker, that can be detected in acute and hronic kidney injury, to assesss the diagnostic value of this biomarker in early stage of the kidney injury, and to determine whether this biomarker has prognostic value. Recent breakthroughs in identifying genetic disorders brought to light the key role of the podocyte in the proteinuric regulation, not only by maintaining the structure of the glomerular filter, but also through the transmission of the signal between the cells, hence large emphasis will be on the investigation of podocytes.