Tulane Nephrology research encompasses basic science, clinical studies and epidemiological studies. The section collaborates extensively with a variety of other departments and centers, including Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the Tulane Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Department of Physiology. Studies include epidemiology and genetics of chronic kidney disease and related cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, as well as various aspects of pathophysiology of hypertension, angiotensin II injury, and hormones affecting cardiovascular physiology.
Learn about just a few of the research studies/interests of our faculty.Read More
Dr. Nazih Nakhoul studies ammonia and acid-base transport. Currently he is investigating the role of Rh proteins and excretion of ammonium into the urine. This process is critical for acid-base homeostasis.
Dr. Jing Chen studies clinical and epidemiologic aspects of the progression of chronic kidney disease and the associated cardiovascular diseases. Her recent work has focused on the interrelationship of obesity, metabolic syndrome, endothelial dysfunction, adipocytokines, and inflammation with kidney and cardiovascular diseases. She is also doing research on the etiology of vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Dr. Vecihi Batuman studies the mechanisms whereby myeloma proteins and light chains cause kidney injury and how these may be positively affected by various agents such as PACAP. In addition, he has been involved in several studies of lead toxicity in the kidney.
Dr. Katie Hering-Smith studies the regulation of urinary citrate which is important in preventing kidney stones. Her work has shown a novel calcium-sensitive citrate reabsorbtive process in the kidney.
Dr. Lee Hamm studies various aspects of epithelial transport including that of ammonia and citrate. In addition, his laboratory studies how luminal proteases alter sodium transport and paracellular transport in the collecting duct. In addition, he is involved in clinical studies of chronic kidney disease and related co-morbidities.
Dr. Rubin Zhang studies clinical aspects of kidney and pancreas transplantation and the use of immunosuppressive therapies in this population.
Drs. Simon, Kleinpeter, Krane, and Alper are involved in a variety of clinical studies.
