Sorin Fedeles, PhD, MBA

Faculty and entrepreneur leading a basic and translational research program focused on target identification/validation and drug discovery strategies in the context of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD).

Employing whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 forward screens coupled with single-cell RNAseq to identify new targets for ADPKD. Developed a novel proof-of-concept model to examine the role of ER protein folding in modulating the progression of ADPKD due to Pkd1 missense mutations. Characterized a novel genetic mouse model of tubulo-interstitial kidney disease. Initiated and managed a collaboration with a bio-engineering group at MIT to test/develop compounds for the treatment of ADPKD. Based on this, put together grant applications that have led to ~$2.6 million in federal and private funding from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the PKD foundation with a method-of-use patent issued.

Responsibilities include managing and training research staff, writing grants/manuscripts, budget oversight, teaching, serving as a peer-reviewer on grants and journal submissions, and disseminating research via national/international conferences.

Co-founder of academic-spinouts based on Yale discoveries; leading the scientific, pre-clinical, and BD strategy.

Principal Investigator on past and current funded grants (accepted or declined) totaling ~$5.2 million from NIH (RO1-declined; P&F), DoD (Discovery and IIRA), and the PKD Foundation.

Currently serving as Executive Director of the Polycystic Kidney Disease Outcomes Consortium at Critical Path Institute where I lead an interdisciplinary team working on ADPKD clinical biomarker development and clinical trial simulator tools.