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Samira MusahView profile

Assistant Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Kidney Disease Mechanisms
• +5 more

Samira Musah is the Alfred M. Hunt Faculty Scholar Assistant Professor in Duke University's Department of Biomedical Engineering, with joint appointments in Medicine and Cell Biology. She holds affiliations with the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Regeneration Center. Dr. Musah earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard University (2013-2018). Her research focuses on: Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine approaches for kidney disease Development of patient-specific disease models using organoids and organs-on-chips Molecular mechanisms of human organ development and disease progression Therapeutic discovery for kidney disorders and extra-renal complications Her recent publications demonstrate strong focus on: Advanced kidney disease modeling using stem cell-derived systems Mechanisms of podocyte injury in diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy Development of microphysiological systems for drug screening Biomaterial-enhanced organoid differentiation techniques Honors include: NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2023) Alfred M. Hunt Faculty Scholar Named among 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America (2020) Dr. Musah leads the Musah Lab where she oversees research on kidney tissue engineering and disease modeling. She has received significant funding including a $1.5M NIH High-Risk, High-Reward grant. Her teaching includes graduate courses in Biological Engineering Seminar Series, Physiology for Engineers, and research mentorship through independent study projects.

Karl SwärdView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Mechanotransduction
• Hypertension Research
• +7 more

Karl Swärd is a Professor and Research Team Manager at Lund University's Faculty of Medicine, where he leads research in cellular biomechanics as part of the Proactive Ageing profile area. His work focuses on understanding how mechanical forces translate into biochemical signals, particularly in cardiovascular contexts. Dr. Swärd's research interests span cardiovascular physiology, mechanotransduction, and vascular biology. He investigates how hypertension translates into cardiovascular disease, with specific focus on the NOTCH signaling pathway, caveolae function, and thrombospondin-4 (Thbs4) mechanisms. His work has established connections between hypertension-driven stroke and syndromic stroke through NOTCH pathway involvement. He also studies caveolinopathies using mouse models and examines the genetic control mechanisms of caveolae formation through myocardin family coactivators. His recent publication trends reveal strong focus on mechanoresponsive genes and their role in cardiovascular and renal pathologies. His work spans from fundamental cellular biomechanics to translational applications in hypertension, aneurysm development, and bladder fibrosis. His research demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between cardiovascular, renal, and urological systems through shared molecular mechanisms. Dr. Swärd currently leads multiple research projects including studies on mechanoregulated transcription factors in vascular aging, LL-37-induced cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory treatments for Moyamoya disease, and vascular signaling in hypertension. His laboratory collaborates extensively within Lund University and internationally, with work contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing.

• Nephrology
• Kidney disease
• Proteinuria
• +4 more

Dr. Tomoko Takano is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) at the Glen site. She is affiliated with the Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program within the Centre for Translational Biology and the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the MUHC. Her research focuses on kidney barrier function and proteinuria (leakage of protein in urine), which is often the first manifestation of kidney disease. A particular emphasis is on podocytes - specialized cells with actin-based foot processes that form a critical component of the kidney's filtration barrier. By understanding how proteinuria develops, Dr. Takano aims to develop interventions that can stop proteinuria and arrest the progression of kidney failure. She also studies nephrotic syndrome, particularly in children, collaborating with national networks of pediatric kidney doctors to investigate the blood cells of affected children to find causes and potential cures. Dr. Takano's work centers on Rho-GTPase signaling pathways and cytoskeleton dynamics in podocytes. Her research has revealed how Rac1 activation in podocytes induces nephrotic syndrome, how regulatory proteins like ARHGEF7(β-PIX) and CdGAP maintain podocyte architecture, and how mutations in genes like CD2AP cause focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Her recent work has uncovered autoimmune aspects of nephrotic syndrome, including the discovery of autoantibodies targeting nephrin and the identification of extrafollicular B-cell responses as a hallmark of the disease. Research interests: Nephrology, Kidney disease, Proteinuria, Podocyte biology, Rho-GTPases signaling, Cytoskeleton dynamics, Nephrotic syndrome Affiliations: McGill University, RI-MUHC, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program Contact: tomoko.takano@mcgill.ca Her work bridges basic science with clinical applications, with significant implications for understanding and treating kidney diseases, particularly in children. The discovery of autoimmune mechanisms in nephrotic syndrome represents a paradigm shift in understanding this condition and may lead to novel targeted therapies.

Ursula RescherView profile

Professor

• Inflammation
• Pathogen-host interactions
• Cell autonomous defense mechanisms
• +5 more

Professor Ursula Rescher is a leading researcher at the University of Münster's Medical Faculty, where she heads the Rescher Group within the Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) at the Institute of Medical Biochemistry. Her research focuses on regulatory mechanisms of inflammation, with particular emphasis on pathogen-host interplay, cell autonomous defense mechanisms, pattern recognition receptors, and endosomal sorting mechanisms. She participates actively in the 'Cells in Motion' initiative and leads research within the Priority Programme SPP 2225 'Exit strategies of intracellular pathogens', SFB 1009 'Breaking Barriers', and SFB 1348 'Dynamic Cellular Interfaces'. Prof. Rescher's research program investigates key regulatory circuits controlling host inflammatory responses, with special focus on molecular mechanisms that lead to changes in cellular structure and function. Her work examines how cell surface receptors sense extracellular ligands and transmit signals to the cell interior, particularly studying G-protein-coupled receptors and Pattern Recognition Receptors. Another major research theme explores the late endosome as a critical hub for cargo segregation and as the site of endosomal escape for enveloped viruses, with implications for pharmacologic intervention. Her lab has made significant contributions to understanding annexin biology and its role in viral infection mechanisms. Analysis of Prof. Rescher's recent publications reveals a strong focus on host-pathogen interactions, particularly regarding SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other enveloped viruses. Her work demonstrates how endosomal maturation, cholesterol transport, and calcium control are coupled elements in endolysosomal maintenance that influence viral entry. A recurring theme across her publications is the exploration of host-directed antiviral strategies, including drug repurposing approaches targeting the endolysosomal system. Prof. Rescher currently leads multiple significant research projects, including DFG Priority Programme SPP 2225 'Exit strategies of intracellular pathogens' (since 2024), IZKF Münster project on 'Dynamics of late endosomal Host-Pathogen Interface in Influenza Infection' (since 2020), DFG CRCB 1348 'Dynamic Cellular Interfaces' Project A11 (since 2018), and DFG CRC 1109/3 'Breaking Barriers' Project A06 (since 2012). She is an active member of the German Society for Virology (GfV), the National Research Platform for Zoonoses, and the British Pharmacological Society (BPS).

• Nephrology
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology
• +3 more

David Pearce, MD, is a Professor of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He serves as Chief of Nephrology at San Francisco General Hospital, a core teaching hospital affiliated with UCSF. His expertise lies in renal physiology and ion transport mechanisms, with a focus on hormone-regulated pathways in kidney tubules. Dr. Pearce completed his MD at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, followed by residency in Internal Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and a Nephrology fellowship at UCSF. His research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying sodium and potassium homeostasis, particularly the role of SGK1 and mTORC2 signaling pathways. Key contributions include identifying multiprotein complexes regulating ion transport and developing preclinical therapies for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. His work is funded by NIH R01 grants and Foundation awards. Recent studies highlight mTORC2's role in coordinating renal glucose and potassium regulation, with implications for hypertension treatment. Dr. Pearce's lab also explores aldosterone-independent potassium regulation and the therapeutic potential of SGK1 inhibitors. His collaborative projects integrate metabolic imaging and genetic models to advance understanding of renal and metabolic disorders.

• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Research
• Pediatric Nephrology
• +5 more

Sargis Sedrakyan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Research Urology at the University of Southern California. His work focuses on regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and pediatric nephrology. Current research areas: Extracellular Vesicles in Kidney Development, Glomerular Endothelial Dysfunction, and Mitochondrial Transplantation in Renal Injury His publications highlight expertise in spatial transcriptomics, Alport syndrome, and bioengineering of renal tissue. Collaborations include researchers like Andrew McMahon and Stefano Da Sacco. Key contributions: Development of non-invasive MRI tracking for extracellular vesicles, characterization of Wilms tumor cancer stem cells, and decellularized renal matrix models

Jonathan SleemanView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Metastasis
• Breast Cancer
• +7 more

Prof. Jonathan P. Sleeman is a Professor in the Department of Microvascular Biology and Pathobiology at the Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University. His research focuses on understanding metastasis mechanisms in breast cancer and melanoma, with particular emphasis on tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis, extracellular matrix (hyaluronan) dynamics, and the role of inflammatory cells like neutrophils and macrophages in lung metastatic niches. His lab investigates how pro-inflammatory signals regulate metastatic spread and dormancy, including senescence-promoted metastasis. Collaborations within MI3 explore pulmonary macrophage-neutrophil interactions in metastasis. Key publications include studies on VEGFR-3 in megakaryopoiesis, serum amyloid A-induced metastasis, and macrophage-driven lymphangiogenesis post-chemotherapy. He leads the Sleeman Lab, which develops novel anti-cancer therapies targeting metastasis. Address: Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167 Mannheim Affiliation: Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University Research interests span lymphatic dissemination, tumor microenvironment regulation, and the interplay between chemotherapy effects and metastasis. His work integrates experimental models with clinical insights to advance metastasis prevention strategies.

John BertramView profile

Professor

• Kidney Disease
• Nephrology
• Developmental Biology
• +6 more

John Bertram is a Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology at Monash University, affiliated with the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. His expertise focuses on kidney structure and development, particularly nephron and glomeruli counts, which are critical for understanding chronic diseases. He pioneered quantitative kidney pathology, analyzing thousands of kidney samples globally to establish baseline nephron/glomeruli numbers and their variability. His work highlights environmental and genetic influences on kidney development, with implications for hypertension, kidney disease, and public health. Key projects include investigating low nephron endowment's role in chronic diseases, podocyte biology, and using MRI for 3D kidney analysis. He collaborates internationally, including NIH-funded research on renal regeneration. Grants include NHMRC support for podocyte-stem cell studies. His research contributes to UN SDGs addressing health and well-being. Research interests span kidney development, developmental origins of disease, and translational therapies. Recent work explores 3D imaging, podocyte depletion, and obesity-related glomerulopathy outcomes. Collaborations span institutions like the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Howard Florey Institute.

Luise Cullen-McEwenView profile

Research Fellow

• Kidney Development
• Embryogenesis
• Nephron Development
• +3 more

Dr. Luise Cullen-McEwen is a Research Fellow in the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Monash University, within the School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on kidney development, particularly the regulation of branching morphogenesis and nephron number during embryogenesis. She holds a PhD from Monash University (2002) and has extensive expertise in techniques like immunofluorescence, histology, and unbiased stereology. Her work includes projects funded by the Australian Kidney Foundation and NHMRC, investigating maternal diabetes effects on kidney development and chronic kidney disease progression. Key collaborations involve Jikei University Hospital and researchers in Japan. She has led projects addressing nephron deficits in premature offspring and the impact of maternal nutrition on kidney structure. Research interests span GDNF signaling in kidney development, podocyte adaptation, and the role of maternal conditions (e.g., diabetes, protein restriction) in programming renal deficits. Over 70 publications highlight her contributions to nephrology and developmental biology.

Hani SuleimanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Kidney Disease
• Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics
• Nephrology
• +3 more

Hani Suleiman, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He specializes in nephrology and podocyte biology, focusing on actin cytoskeleton dynamics and glomerular diseases such as FSGS and Minimal Change Disease (MCD). His research employs advanced microscopy techniques like super-resolution imaging (STORM, Airyscan) and novel ex vivo systems to study podocyte structure and function. Education: Medical degree from Damascus University, Ph.D. from the University of Regensburg, and postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine. Prior to UT Southwestern, he held an Assistant Professor position in Nephrology at Washington University (2024). Research Interests: Podocyte actin cytoskeleton regulation, Rho/Rac GTPase balance, extracellular matrix interactions, and development of innovative imaging technologies. His lab investigates mechanisms underlying glomerular diseases using correlative light-electron microscopy and ex vivo podocyte culture models. Lab Innovations: Developed methods for in vivo podocyte imaging, ex vivo hydrogel-cultured podocytes, and volumetric imaging of kidney tissues. These techniques enable unprecedented insights into podocyte mechanics and disease progression.

• Cell Physiology
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Nephrocyte Genetics
• +5 more

Dr Paul Hartley is an Associate Professor in Cell Physiology at Bournemouth University's Department of Life and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on understanding cellular mechanisms linking gene expression to specialized functions, primarily using Drosophila as a model organism. Key areas include nephrocyte genetics, cardiovascular physiology, and aging processes. He holds a PhD from Edinburgh Medical School’s Centre for Inflammation Research (2005) and a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Abertay Dundee (1999). Research Interests: Dr Hartley’s work explores nephrocyte function in insects, linking to human kidney disease models. Recent projects examine pesticide toxicity in pollinator species and the role of circadian rhythms in cardiovascular health. His lab uses genetic, biochemical, and imaging techniques to study clearance systems and their impact on immunity, metabolism, and organ function. Grants & Awards: Notable grants include Kidney Research UK funding for podocyte biology studies (£422,903) and a British Heart Foundation award for circadian platelet research (£142,168). He received the Investigator Award from The Renal Association in 2017 for his invited lecture on nephrocyte aging models. Teaching Roles: Previously served as Programme Lead for BSc Biological Sciences (2017–2021) and teaches Advanced Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Biomedical Research Skills. Active in public outreach through conferences and collaborations with institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University of Osnabrück. Labs & Networks: Leads the Hartley Lab, part of Bournemouth's microscopy research network. Collaborates internationally on reagent sharing for nephrology studies and serves on peer review boards for journals like Nature Reviews Nephrology and Blood .

Dussaule Jean-ClaudeView profile

Professor

• Renal Fibrosis and Hemodynamics
• Renal and Vascular Endocrinology
• Hypertension
• +2 more

Jean-Claude Dussaule is a Professor at University UPMC and Chief of the Division of Physiology at St-Antoine Hospital. With a career spanning over three decades, his work focuses on renal and vascular pathophysiology in hypertension and fibrosis. He has held leadership roles including Director of the 'Médecines Spécialisées' medical pole at St-Antoine Hospital (2007) and memberships in prestigious institutions like Academia Europaea (2003) and the French Academy of Medicine. Education : MD (1985, Medical School Paris VI), PhD in Physiology (1990, Univ Paris VI), and Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (1992, Univ Paris VI). Research Interests include: Renal Fibrosis and Hemodynamics Renal and Vascular Endocrinology Hypertension Mechanisms His recent publications highlight advancements in hypertensive nephropathy, fibrosis prevention, and endothelin receptor targeting. Awards include the Paul Newman Award (1990) and Eloy Collery Award (2006). He has contributed to research administration through roles in the National Committee of Scientific Research (1995-2000) and doctoral school governance at UPMC.

Claire SharpeView profile

Professor

• Renal Medicine
• Renal Fibrosis
• Cell Signalling
• +3 more

Claire Sharpe is a clinical academic and Professor specializing in renal medicine and kidney fibrosis. Her research focuses on the role of Ras family GTPases in renal cell signaling and pathophysiological mechanisms of sickle cell nephropathy. She has led/co-investigated 39 research projects funded by organizations like Kidney Research UK and the Medical Research Council (MRC). Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Research Interests: Renal fibrosis, cell signaling pathways, sickle cell nephropathy, and translational nephrology Projects: Includes engineering regulatory T cells to modulate kidney injury and investigating intracellular complement activation in podocytes Collaborations: Multidisciplinary teams across immunology, pulmonology, and ophthalmology Key findings include links between immune ageing and severe COVID-19 outcomes, hyperkalemia burden in healthcare systems, and long-term respiratory effects post-COVID-19.

• Nephrology
• Hypertension
• Diabetic Nephropathy
• +2 more

Susan Bailey Gurley, MD, PhD is the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Chair and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California . She is a Physician Scientist specializing in nephrology with over 20 years of expertise in diabetic nephropathy , hypertension , and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) . Her leadership roles include directing the Division of Nephrology & Hypertension at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and serving as interim chair at OHSU from 2021-2023. Education: PhD in Biophysical Chemistry , University of Mississippi MD, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO Residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Nephrology , Duke University School of Medicine Research Interests: Dr. Gurley's work focuses on mouse models of diabetic nephropathy and hypertension , with a particular emphasis on ACE2 and angiotensin II receptors in blood pressure and kidney injury. Her studies span genomic and metabolomics analyses , conditional gene targeting , and cardiovascular-renal interactions . Her recent publications highlight ACE2 deficiency in acute kidney injury, sex differences in RAS , and translational implications of her work for hypertension and diabetic complications . Scientific Recognition: She holds the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Chair in Medicine , a prestigious academic appointment reflecting her leadership in clinical and research nephrology . Her publications in high-impact journals like Hypertension , JASN , and Kidney International demonstrate her sustained contributions to RAS biology and kidney disease mechanisms . Leadership & Practice: As Chair, she oversees the Department of Medicine at Keck, emphasizing academic development and biomedical research . She also practices clinically at Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital , with expertise in internal medicine and transplant nephrology . Her work bridges basic science , translational research , and clinical leadership in kidney disease and hypertension .

Rick SchnellmannView profile

Professor

• Pharmacology
• Kidney Diseases
• Mitochondrial Biology
• +3 more

Rick Schnellmann currently serves as the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, leading academic and research initiatives in pharmaceutical sciences. His research focuses on mitochondrial biology, particularly mitochondrial biogenesis as a therapeutic target for kidney diseases, spinal cord injury, neurodegeneration, and other pathologies. Key areas of exploration include drug repurposing (e.g., formoterol, lasmiditan), biomaterial-based delivery systems, and molecular mechanisms underlying cellular repair processes. Expertise: Mitochondrial pharmacology, regenerative medicine, renal physiology Research Themes: Neuropharmacological modulation of mitochondrial pathways, metabolic reprogramming in injury recovery, translational drug development His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with studies demonstrating therapeutic potential for β2-adrenergic receptor agonists and 5-HT1F receptor agonists in promoting tissue repair. Recent investigations explore lipidomic/metabolomic changes post-injury and the role of mitochondrial quality control in recovery processes. Collaborative projects include developing hydrogel systems for targeted drug delivery and identifying biomarkers for acute kidney injury. Preclinical models focus on aging populations and sex-specific responses to therapies.