Welcome to the Sampson Lab for Kidney Genomics

Genomic discovery towards causes, treatments, and cures for nephrotic syndrome

Inspired to Discover

In partnership with patients, physicians, and researchers around the globe, the Sampson Lab seeks to improve the health of children with the protein-spilling kidney disease nephrotic syndrome using the tools of modern genomics. We integrate sequencing technologies, computer science, biostatistics, epidemiology, and functional experiments to bring an “applied genomics” approach to nephrotic syndrome research. Our goal is to translate these genomic discoveries to genomic medicine; bringing a Precision Medicine approach to inform us on the causes, prognoses, and treatments for patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Our research seeks to:

  • Discover and/or characterize new and established nephrotic syndrome-associated genetic variants

  • Illuminate the mechanisms linking these genetic changes with nephrotic syndrome, towards development of targeted treatments and cures

  • Uncover the clinical consequences for patients carrying disease-associated genetic variants

  • Identify strategies to improve genomic literacy about kidney diseases for nephrologists and patients and their families


  • (left to right) Dongwon Lee, Catherine Channell, Matt Sampson, Alexandra Barry

    Our culture

    Discover, contribute, educate, and connect. These are the core words that describe our mission at the Sampson Lab. We believe in holding ourselves and others to the highest standard in our work, diversity and inclusion, ethics, and values.

    About us

  • Sampson Lab Team Photo

    Our team

    The Sampson Lab is dedicated to discovering the genomic basis of nephrotic syndrome. Meet the members of our team who are driving forward research for this rare kidney disease.

    Meet the team

  • Michelle McNulty, Dongwon Lee, and Matt Sampson

    Our research

    Genetic changes can cause, or contribute to, nephrotic syndrome. If we can discover new, and map known, nephrotic syndrome-associated variants, we can improve our ability to diagnose, care for, and ultimately treat children with this disease. To make these discoveries, we use the tools of genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, and epidemiology.

    What we're studying

BIGKiDs Study

Our lab has made a number of genomic discoveries using biosamples and data from patients with nephrotic syndrome who have chosen to participate in a variety of research studies including NEPTUNE and CKID. In 2020, at Boston Children’s Hospital, we created the BIGKiDs Study (“Biobank to Investigate the Genetics of Kidney Disorders”) to expand and accelerate discoveries in partnership with patients with childhood-onset nephrotic syndrome. BIGKiDs participants are sharing their biosamples and health information to build a library for researchers. These valuable resources will be used to advance our knowledge of nephrotic syndrome and, eventually, other pediatric kidney diseases.

¿Hablas Español? Obtén más información sobre BIGKiDS en Español aquí.

How does the BIGKiDs Study work?

Research that partners with patients is a key to unlocking our understanding of nephrotic syndrome.

rFSGS consortium