The team of the Molecular and Cellular Nephrology Laboratory from Gdańsk, headed by prof. Agnieszka Piwkowska, consisting of:

dr hab. Irena Audzeyenka
dr hab. Dorota Rogacka, prof. IMDiK
and dr Patrycja Rachubik

was honored with the Scientific Award of the Division V of Medical Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences for a series of publications entitled

"The role of insulin in the regulation of the metabolic function of podocyte cells in physiological conditions and hyperglycemia."

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common and most serious complications of diabetes, leading to chronic renal failure in about 30-40% of patients. Since 2005, when the elements of the classic signaling pathway for insulin in podocytes were first identified, numerous studies have been conducted that have shown the influence of this hormone not only on the activation of extracellular glucose uptake, but also on a number of other processes that are key to the biology and physiology of podocytes. This scientific achievement is closely related to understanding the mechanisms responsible for regulating the function and metabolism of podocyte cells, with particular emphasis on understanding the signaling pathways whose disorders in hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia lead to damage to these cells and, consequently, to damage to the glomerular filtration barrier.”

We sincerely congratulate the entire Team and wish them further success!