Nephrology Research

The Division of Nephrology offers a broad range of opportunities for basic and clinic research. Several large clinical trials are ongoing and a variety of non-clinical study activities are being pursued across the Division.

Basic Research

The Division of Nephrology provides extensive opportunities for basic research, supported by funding from the NIH, VA, private foundations (NKF, AHA), corporate sponsors, and institutional grants. Our faculty employ cutting-edge models and methodologies to investigate critical aspects of kidney disease, including:

• Renal physiology and tubular function
• Cellular signaling and oxidative stress
• Progression of kidney disease
• Urine biomarkers for acute kidney injury
• Renin-Angiotensin system in glomerular function
• Renal proteomics and molecular mechanisms
• Polycystic kidney disease and cilia dysfunction

We leverage advanced experimental models, including transgenic mice, rats, zebrafish (via the MUSC zebrafish facility), and cell culture systems, integrating techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, confocal microscopy, and real-time PCR. Our faculty collaborate extensively across disciplines, incorporating expertise in genetics, therapeutic oligonucleotides, viral vectors, and live-cell transcription analysis to advance nephrology research.

Clinical Research

Our faculty lead and collaborate on numerous clinical investigations, including large-scale trials and industry-sponsored studies. A key focus is biomarker discovery, using advanced proteomics and informatics to identify novel protein markers in urine. These biomarkers have the potential to:

• Differentiate between major glomerular diseases (e.g., FSGS, membranous nephropathy, lupus nephritis, diabetic nephropathy)
• Predict acute kidney injury (AKI) severity and need for dialysis
• Identify diabetic patients at highest risk for kidney disease

Our goal is to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools that could replace kidney biopsies, allowing for earlier, safer, and more precise diagnoses. Ongoing research aims to translate these discoveries into clinical assays to improve patient outcomes.

Kidney Translational Research Center

The Kidney Translational Research Center (KTRC) at MUSC advances vascular and renal physiology research, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms in human kidney cells. By overcoming limitations of rodent models, we explore ion transport, sex differences, and aging metabolism in native human kidneys. KTRC supports multidisciplinary investigators with cutting-edge techniques, including electrophysiology, advanced imaging, and multi-omics approaches, to drive translational cardiorenal research and improve kidney disease understanding and treatment.