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Funded Projects

Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Pathogenesis of Kidney Transplant Rejection Using Cell-Free DNA Fragmentation and DNA Methylation Patterns

Awarded in 2025
New Investigator Program
Updated Jul 21, 2025

At a Glance

More than 25,000 kidney transplants are performed annually in the United States. However, 92,000 individuals remain on the kidney transplant waitlist. Repeat transplants often have worse health outcomes, so preventing graft failure after the first transplant is crucial. Acute rejection (AR) is a major cause of failure, but there is still a lack of understanding of its causes and reliable, noninvasive ways to detect it. This study aims to better understand the pathophysiology of AR and identify noninvasive biomarkers. Modification of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) presents a promising target for early diagnosis and supports the development of more effective therapies.

More Funded Projects

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New Investigator Program

Novel Approaches to Discovering Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility Genes

Awarded in 2025
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease that affects joints and increases the risk of fibrotic lung disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In Wisconsin, it affects about 90,000 individuals and is a leading cause of disability. This study aims to discover new genetic risk factors for RA by using advanced statistical methods to analyze large-scale genetic data from biobank databases. These innovative approaches could uncover previously unknown genetic variants that contribute to RA, paving the way for better diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
New Investigator Program

Defining Vulvar Cancer Subtypes and Implications for Clinical Outcomes

Awarded in 2025
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause various health issues including certain cancers. Even with an established HPV vaccine, vaccination rates remain below the national average, putting people at risk for infections and related cancers. Particularly in the Midwest, disparities in race, ethnicity, rural or urban location and Medicaid status contribute to high rates of vulvar cancer nationally. This research aims to identify biomarkers of prognosis and treatment response for vulvar cancer, including the role of immune cells and their interactions with HPV in tumor tissues. The outcomes of this research will clarify and provide better treatment options for patients with vulvar and other HPV-related cancers.