Research

Faculty members within the Renal-Electrolyte Division of the University of Pittsburgh and within other Divisions/Departments have developed a dynamic research program over the past 15 years directed at studying kidney/epithelial cell structure and function in health or disease states. Faculty members also have active research programs that are focused on renal epidemiology and clinical studies. An NIH-funded T32 grant provides support for the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in renal related research. Research activities are supported by grants from the NIH, VA, American Heart Association, American Society of Nephrology, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Kidney Foundation and corporations.

Basic research interests of the faculty include:

• structure, function and regulation of epithelial sodium, potassium and chloride channels
• response of epithelia to biomechanical forces
• regulation of tubular transport by metabolic sensors
• cellular mechanisms of steroid hormone action
• regulation of acid-base transport in epithelia
• regulation of endocytosis and protein trafficking in epithelial cells
• regulation of protein folding and maturation
• regulation of epithelial calcium and phosphate transport
• structure and function of mucins in epithelia
• permeability properties of mammalian bladder epithelia
• mechanisms of bladder epithelial injury
• neural-epithelial interactions in the urinary bladder
• biology of T cell memory
• cellular and molecular mechanisms of glomerulosclerosis
• genetics of complex diseases, including hypertension and diabetes
• genetics of autosomal dominant nephrotic syndrome

Clinical research interests of the faculty include:

• sleep disorders in the setting of CKD and ESRD
• cardiovascular disease in the setting of CKD
• pharmacotherapy of cardiorenal disease
• pharmacokinetics of drugs in CKD
• peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis
• continuous renal replacement therapy
• ICU nephrology
• acute kidney injury
• contrast nephropathy
• outcomes and cost of dialysis
• diabetic nephropathy
• renal transplantation