Basic Research

For fellows interested in pursuing basic science research, the Renal-Electrolyte Division, along with faculty members within other Division/Departments at the University of Pittsburgh, have developed a dynamic research program over the past decade directed at studying kidney/epithelial cell structure and function in health or disease states. Specific research topics include:

• structure, function and regulation of epithelial sodium, potassium and chloride channels
• structure, function and regulation of water channels
• regulation of tubular transport by biomechanical forces
• cellular mechanisms of steroid hormone action
• intracellular trafficking of steroid receptors
• cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis
• regulation of endocytosis and protein trafficking in epithelial cells
• regulation of protein folding and maturation
• structure and function of mucins in epithelia
• mechanisms of epithelial fluid and electrolyte secretion
• epithelial calcium and phosphate transport
• genetics of complex diseases, including hypertension
• pharmacotherapy of cardiorenal disease
• genetics of autosomal dominant nephrotic syndrome
• permeability properties of mammalian bladder epithelia
• mechanisms of bladder epithelial injury
• neural-epithelial interactions in the urinary bladder