Robert Bronstein Secures $200,000 Grant for Kidney Research Breakthrough
Robert Bronstein, a faculty research investigator at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, has been awarded a grant from KidneyCure to enhance his research focused on the kidney glomerulus, a crucial filtration unit of the organ. This grant positions Bronstein among 23 early career kidney disease researchers in the United States to receive funding for 2025, highlighting his potential to contribute significantly to nephrology.
The grant, totaling $200,000, will be allocated over two years, from July 2025 to June 2027. Notably, Bronstein is one of only nine researchers to receive support through the Transition to Independence Grants Program, which aims to assist young investigators as they establish their independent research careers. KidneyCure emphasizes that these grantees are poised to become future leaders in nephrology, working on discoveries that can improve the lives of individuals affected by kidney diseases.
Research Focus and Impact on Kidney Health
Bronstein’s research primarily investigates the pathologies affecting the kidney glomerulus. Damage to this vital filtration unit can impair kidney function and lead to end-stage kidney disease. He stated, “Overall, our work aims to understand the different cellular players that make up this filtration unit in the kidney glomerulus and how they are adversely affected during instances of pathology. We hope this will lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that will preserve kidney function and quality of life.”
Recent studies conducted by Bronstein have shed light on the role of glomerular parietal epithelial cells in the progression of crescentic glomerulonephritis. He has discovered a significant connection between these cells and proteins within the AP-1 transcription factor complex, which could have implications for human conditions, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. This research could open new avenues for understanding how AP-1 regulates parietal epithelial cell dynamics during kidney disease.
A Commitment to Advancing Nephrology
Bronstein has been conducting research in the Mallipattu Lab since 2020, where he has focused on exploring intricate cellular mechanisms associated with kidney health. The support from KidneyCure not only provides essential funding but also validates the significance of his work in the field of nephrology.
On February 12, 2025, William Wertheim, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine, alongside John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York, will advocate for critical federal priorities in Washington, D.C. This underscores the university’s commitment to supporting research that impacts health outcomes.
In addition to Bronstein’s achievements, the Stony Brook Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is set to host its annual symposium on April 11, creating a platform for faculty, staff, and students to engage in discussions about teaching pedagogy. The university continues to foster a vibrant academic community, as demonstrated by the participation of over 200 community members in its recent Energy & Infrastructure Open House and Union Apprenticeship Awareness Day.
Bronstein’s grant marks a significant step forward in kidney disease research, and as he embarks on this new chapter of exploration, the potential impact on patients’ lives remains at the forefront of his work.
