Nephrology Research

The Section of Nephrology conducts basic and clinical research on kidney function and diseases. Internationally renowned research efforts focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting and regeneration in chronic kidney disease, acute renal injury, renal fibrosis, AV fistula dysfunction and hypertension. View a list of our Nephrology research faculty, who:

• Investigate the mechanisms involved in muscle metabolism in chronic kidney disease, renal inflammation which may play a role in the pathogenesis of renal disease and hypertension and AV fistula dysfunction
• Provide a coordinated center to facilitate the teaching of fellows entering academic nephrology
• Mentor fellows entering the Renal Research Training program under the guidance of the center’s principal investigators
• Encourage research careers of promising young faculty
• Provide an avenue to explore new basic and clinical areas that may have clinical research applications
• Study translational and epidemiological causes of chronic kidney disease

The following is a listing of section faculty research and funding information:

Jizhong Cheng, M.D.

• Interplay between Skeletal Muscle Catabolism and Remodeling of Arteriovenous Fistulae via YAP1/TAZ Signaling; NIH NIDDK (R01)

Kevin Erickson, M.D.

• The Effects of Telemedicine on Health Outcomes, Costs, and Perceptions of Care Delivery in In-Center Hemodialysis; National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Zhaoyong Hu, M.D.

• Mechanisms of Protein-Energy-Wasting in Chronic Kidney Disease; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Paul Klotman, M.D.

• Long-Term Consequences of HIV in the Kidney; NIH/NIDDK

Qingtian Li, Ph.D.

• Megalin, Mitochondrial Intracrine Signaling and the Kidney; VA/Merit

Sankar Navaneethan, M.D.

• Visceral Adiposity and Physical Function in CKD; NIH/NIDDK (R01)
• Prevalence, Management, and Outcomes of Iron Deficiency Anemia in CKD; Keryk Biopharmaceuticals

Jenny Pan, M.D.

• Stanniocalcin-1, Kidney Protection by AMPK; VA/CDA

David Sheikh-Hamad, M.D.

• Megalin, Mitochondrial Intracrine Signaling and the Kidney; VA/Merit

Sandhya Thomas, M.D.

• Chronic Kidney Disease-Induced Defects Initiated by SIRPα; VA Merit BLR&D 1 I01
• SIRPα Mediates Insulin/IGF1 Receptor Signaling in CKD-Induced Cardiomyopathy; American Society of Nephrology- Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant 

Carl Walther, M.D.

• Understanding Heart Failure Symptoms in CKD: Distinctive Trajectories, Sex Differences, Cardiorenal Phenotypes, and Prediction; NIH
• The Kidney in Advanced Heart Failure and Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support: Phenotypes, Prediction, and Pathophysiology; NIH (K23)

Wolfgang Winkelmayer, M.D., Sc.D.

• The Atrial Fibrillation - Factor Identification to Risk Modification Study in CKD/ESRD; NIH (R01)
• QT Prolonging Medications and Sudden Cardiac Death among Individuals on Hemodialysis; NIH (R01)
• United States Renal Data System Coordinating Center; NIH (Contract)

Jingyin Yan, M.D., Ph.D.

• Technical title of project: Implementation of a risk-based approach in chronic kidney disease management in ambulatory clinic (BCM)