Michelle P. Winn, M.D.

Posthumous Emeritus

Dr. Michelle Winn, long standing and highly valued member of NephCure Kidney International’s Scientific Advisory Board passed away in July 2014. Dr. Winn, along with her research team at Duke University, was a driving force behind studies in FSGS genetics, with a focus on families with multiple cases of this potentially devastating disease.

Her breakthrough research was the discovery of a gene variant of TRPC6 that causes a hereditary form of FSGS. Today, several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are evaluating potential new therapies for glomerular diseases as a direct result of her discovery.

Dr. Winn was a gifted researcher and a dedicated mentor to young scientists. She was committed to unlocking the biological mysteries that cause FSGS and donated her time and expertise to the Foundation to help find and support the best young researchers and the best science to achieve that goal.

“We have lost a woman of intellect, passion and integrity,” says Dr. Irv Smokler, president of NephCure Kidney International. “We are forever grateful for her contributions that bring us closer to understanding this disease and to the search for new treatments and, one day, a cure.”