Mentoring at a Distance: Atrial Peptides, the Inner Medullary Collecting Duct, Barry Brenner and Me

Abstract

While leading groundbreaking research into glomerular function and diseases, Barry Brenner developed a world-leading division of nephrology which made important discoveries in other aspects of renal function and disease. Barry’s superb intellect, insistence on high standards and driving curiosity forged the careers of many fellows and junior faculty members who did not work on the glomerulus. As an example of this “mentorship at a distance” (along the nephron, that is) I describe here his role in developing my own line of investigation into the control of distal nephron function, starting with a series of studies on the role of atrial peptides in regulating sodium transport in inner medullary collecting duct cells. With Barry’s help and encouragement, these initial studies extended to a series of articles on the mechanisms of action of several regulators of salt excretion, work which launched my career as an independent investigator. My own story serves as a case study of the outstanding mentoring that Barry provided, even to trainees who were not focused on his own work in the glomerulus.