I am developing an independently funded robust translational research program focused on tissue specific vasopressin production using Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), the most common inherited cause of renal failure, as a model. I am well suited to carry out this project as I am a physician-scientist with a PhD in Renal Physiology (2012-2015), clinical training in Internal Medicine (2015 – 2017) and Nephrology (2017 – 2020). I also have post-doctoral research training (Yale 2013-2015, Vanderbilt 2019 – 2020) focused on the regulation of fluid and electrolyte transport pathways in the kidney. As such I am now interested in the study of vasopressin. Vasopressin is a nine amino-acid peptide hormone that regulates water homeostasis. Vasopressin is secreted by the hypothalamus primarily in response to increased tonicity and low blood pressure. However, vasopressin secretion is known to occur independent of any changes in tonicity and low blood pressure. Elevated levels of vasopressin have been strongly associated with kidney disease of multiple etiologies. However, vasopressin plays a direct causal role in the progression of PKD. In PKD vasopressin promotes cyst growth and progressive loss of renal function. However, our current physiological understanding of why there are elevated levels of vasopressin in PKD is lacking. I now have data that shows that human and mouse kidney cells in culture make functional vasopressin and that kidneys in mice and humans produce vasopressin at baseline which can be induced by hypertonic stress and tissue injury. Additionally, I have data that suggests that expression of kidney-derived vasopressin is altered in a mouse model of PKD and in human kidney tissue from patients with PKD. I recently received the Amos Medical Faculty Development Program Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, start date July 1 2021 to study kidney-derived vasopressin. I currently work in the lab of Dr. Ray Harris who is my primary mentor, where I use cell lines, human tissue, and transgenic mouse models to study kidney-derived vasopressin, its role in normal renal function and response to injury with a particular focus on polycystic kidney disease.