Sampson Lab for Kidney Genomics

The Sampson and Lee Labs had a great time at ASHG 2025! Grateful to share our research and explore impactful findings from across the genetics community. #ASHG2025 #Genomics #HumanGenetics

Our collaborative work uncovered genetic changes near two genes, NPHS1 and TNFSF15, that may help explain why some children develop steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. These findings showed how small genetic changes can affect how the kidneys and immune system communicate.

As this Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, we honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. At the Sampson Lab, we recognize the importance of diversity in research. Every voice and every story brings us closer to discovery. 💙 #HHM

We’re excited to share that the Sampson Lab and Dongwon Lee Labs will be at ASHG 2025! 🎉 This year, our team is presenting 7 posters, and we can’t wait to connect, learn, and exchange ideas. If you’re attending, come check out our posters! #ASHG2025
@kidneyomicsamps.bsky.social

We’ve reached 319 participants in the BIGKiDs Study! 🎉 Each participant brings us closer to unlocking answers for nephrotic syndrome. Thank you for being part of the journey! 💙🧬
💙Be part of the discovery ➡️ buff.ly/DxYs1qw

Meet Victoria!
Victoria joins us from Heidelberg University, Germany, where she studied Mathematics with a thesis in high-dimensional statistics applied to medical research. As a Visiting Researcher in the Lab, Victoria is investigating the genetic causes of nephrotic syndrome!🧬 💙

✨ This week’s team meeting had a new twist. Our newest members took the spotlight! Choah, Victoria, and Beomsu shared a few slides about their backgrounds, interests, and hobbies, giving us a chance to get to know them beyond the lab bench. We’re excited to have them on board!!

Nephrotic syndrome doesn’t just cause swelling; it can lead to infections, blood clots, kidney damage, and many other complications. 💧🩸🦠

📌 Learn more about our research and how you can support families affected by kidney disease at the link in our bio. #nephrology #genomics

The Sampson Lab is growing! We’re thrilled to welcome new faces to the team! Keep an eye on our socials as we spotlight each of them and share the exciting projects they’ll be diving into. Big things are ahead, and we can’t wait to share the journey with you! 💙🔬

Ever Googled “What is the Sampson Lab doing?” 👀 We’ve got the answers ready for you. ➡️ Swipe through to learn more! #SampsonLab #BIGKiDsStudy #howrareisrare #NephroticSyndrome #KidneyHealth #RareDiseaseResearch #PediatricNephrology #sampsonlab #BIGKiDs

💌 A little note from Sampson Lab 💙
Sometimes we all need a gentle nudge: 👉 Which reminder did you need today? Share it in the comments! #nephrology #genomics #kidneyomics #pediatrics #pediatricnephrology #nephroticsyndrome

🔎 Ever Googled “What does the Sampson Lab actually do?” You’re not alone; these are the BIG questions we hear all the time.
At the Sampson Lab, we’re on a mission to:
✨ Discover genetic causes of nephrotic syndrome
✨ Bring precision medicine closer to children around the world

⏰ Today’s Reminder from Sampson Lab
You can still join the BIGKiDs Study! 💙
Your participation helps us uncover the genetic causes of nephrotic syndrome and move closer to better treatments for kids worldwide. 👉 Sign up through the link in bio.

🩵 Nephrotic syndrome can look very different in kids vs. adults. 📊 Understanding these differences is key to early detection and better care.#KidneyHealth #NephroticSyndrome #PediatricCare #Nephrology #sampsonlab #raredisease

Congratulations to Kristen Gibson, a post-doctoral fellow in our lab, for two recent awards from the Canadian Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training Program and the Children’s Hospital of Philadephia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology Program! Go Kristen!

Your kidneys filter 50 gallons of blood every single day. Drinking enough water helps support kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney stones and other complications. So yes, staying hydrated? It’s a love letter to your kidneys.#sampsonlab #kidneyhelalth #nephrology

Dr. Sampson’s lab is leading the Data Science curriculum for research fellows who are part of the NIH Training Grant. Michelle McNulty and Kristen Gibson are kicking it off with a two-class series on the fundamentals of R. It’s so exciting that even Dr. Bonventre is taking it!

Not all research studies mean lab coats and hospital visits. Some start with a simple question... and a shipping label.

💡 Think you need to live in Boston to participate?
💡 Think research is only for scientists?

🔗 Learn more at www.sampsonlab/getinvolved.com

What is nephrotic syndrome, and what’s actually causing it? Nephrotic syndrome isn’t one disease; it’s a group of symptoms caused by damage to the kidney’s filters. Follow along as we break down the most common root causes of nephrotic syndrome one post at a time. #nephroticsyndrome #sampsonlab

The first 4–6 weeks of treatment help doctors understand how a child’s body is responding to steroids. This early response helps determine if the nephrotic syndrome is steroid-sensitive or steroid-resistant, a key step in guiding next steps for care.

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Dongwon Lee, Principal Investigator, share his experience at the 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Human Genetics and Genomics in Portland, ME. We’re always proud to see our team contributing to such impactful scientific spaces!

The line between MCD and FSGS isn’t always obvious. Both can cause nephrotic syndrome, but the body’s response to steroid treatment helps tell them apart. This is why treatment response and sometimes biopsy results are so important.
#NephroticSyndrome #sampsonlab #raredisease

Today, our intern Aaheli gave her final presentation during lab meeting. It was great to see how she evaluated gene variants to help determine whether they were benign or pathogenic. We’ll miss her and wish her all the best as she begins her first semester at UMASS this fall!

Last week, Dr. Dongwon Lee represented the lab at the 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Human Genetics and Genomics in Portland, Maine. This year’s theme focused on bridging gaps between statistical, molecular, and clinical genetics, something at the heart of our work.

Every trial, every study, every sample matters. Because behind the data, there are real people, real families, and real futures at stake.#research #raredisease #sampsonlab #genomics #MedicalResearch #ScienceToSolutions #BIGKiDsStudy #nephroticsyndrome #NephrologyResearch

Your kidneys are working hard for you every day, every hour. Return the favor with these small habits that lead to lifelong health. 💬 Which of these do you already do? Which one could you start this week? #KidneyFacts #HealthyKidneys #NephrologyTips #BIGKiDsStudy #KidneyHealthAwareness #sampsonlab

Our summer interns are finishing up at the end of July, and it's been great having them around the lab. From helping with current projects to fostering new collaborations, they've been a big part of the team these past few months. We'll miss having them around! #internship #summerintern #sampsonlab

Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation Working to support families and raise money to fight nephrotic syndrome

We’re proud to team up with The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, a nonprofit supporting families impacted by nephrotic syndrome 💛 It’s a pleasure to stand alongside a mission so deeply rooted in empathy, advocacy, and action.

Get involved at nephroticsyndromefoundation.org

What lies beyond GWAS? 🧬
Last Wednesday Sidhant Puntambekar, computational biologist in the Sampson Lab gave a presentation breaking down the complexity of mapping mechanisms that go beyondunderlie pediatric steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome GWAS associations.#kidneyomics #RareDisease

Last week, we dove into Motif Enrichment Analysis with Dr. Arif Rather, a post-doc in @dongwon_lee lab. This identifies short, recurring DNA patterns that may influence gene activity. From setup to interpretation, Arif led an insightful @celldiscovnet workshop! #kidneyomics #WorkshopRecap