UMMC Researcher Studies Kidney Development
A postdoctoral scientist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center investigates the link between nephron count and kidney disease.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Diabetes
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Andrew Milner is researching kidney development at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to understand how nephron endowment impacts long-term health. The study explores the genetic determinants of these essential filtering units to help predict disease risk at birth.
Why it matters
Low nephron endowment is a known risk factor for developing high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease later in life. By understanding these biological mechanisms, researchers hope to better identify at-risk infants and develop new ways to restore renal function.
Nephron counts vary roughly 10-fold between individuals, creating significant differences in kidney capacity. Additionally, approximately 1 in 1,000 babies are born with only one kidney.
The players
Andrew Milner
He is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Mississippi Medical Center focusing on kidney development.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Located in Jackson, this institution is the primary academic health science center in the state.
The details
Andrew Milner utilizes an inbred rat strain that spontaneously develops a single kidney to study the genetic factors governing nephron formation. His laboratory approach combines traditional wet lab methods, dry lab analysis, and omics technologies to map these developmental pathways.
The Big Picture
This work is situated within the broader human nephron endowment research field. It follows a paradigm shift that recognizes early-life developmental biology as a critical determinant of adult renal health.
This research aims to eventually allow clinicians to predict a person's kidney disease risk as early as birth. Such advancements could lead to earlier interventions for those with lower nephron endowment, potentially improving long-term health outcomes.
The takeaway
Understanding the genetic factors of kidney development could eventually lead to new therapies that restore lost nephron capacity. For now, this research underscores the importance of early diagnosis in managing long-term renal health.
Further reading
For more information on the links between kidney health and metabolic conditions, visit Diabetes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Scientist.
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