The American Society of Nephrology's ASN Foundation for Kidney Research has named Emory nephrologist Mitsi Blount, PhD, a 2015 Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar. The 20 recipients of the 2015 ASN research grants will aim to improve understanding of kidney diseases and develop new treatment options.

Blount, who is an assistant professor of medicine in Emory University Department of Medicine's Renal Division, will receive a grant for her research, Compartmentalized Regulation of Urea Permeability in the Inner Medullary Collecting Duct.

Blount's research highlights how intracellular cAMP levels within kidney cells are increased in response to a variety of hormonal and chemical stimuli, including vasopressin. Vasopressin is a hormone released from the pituitary when the body is dehydrated. It signals the kidneys to conserve water in order to maintain the body's water balance.

The American Society of Nephrology and the ASN Foundation for Kidney Research (established in 2012) provide more than $3 million in funding each year for clinical and basic research for members at all stages of their careers. The funds are intended to help improve the health of the more than 20 million Americans burdened by kidney diseases, the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

More information about the ASN Foundation for Kidney Research is available here.