Christopher T Banek

Christopher T Banek is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on the interplay between the autonomic nervous system and kidney health, particularly in hypertension and chronic kidney diseases.

Recent projects include NIH-funded studies on Renal Denervation for treating Polycystic Kidney Disease and Hypertension, as well as investigations into Neuroimmune Mechanisms in kidney diseases. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

Key research areas:

• Renal nerve signaling in hypertension
• Neuroimmune pathways in kidney disease
• Renal denervation as therapeutic intervention
• Oxidative stress in cardiovascular complications
• Sex-dependent inflammatory mechanisms

Article trends highlight contributions to understanding sympathetic nerve modulation in kidney diseases, with a focus on Renal Denervation and Neuroimmune Regulation across preclinical models (diabetic nephropathy, SLE, and developmental nicotine exposure).

Grant highlights include:

• NIH-funded project on Renal Denervation for Polycystic Kidney Disease (2024-2028)
• American Heart Association grant on renal afferent nerve mechanisms (2017-2018)
• PKD Foundation support for cystic progression studies (2024-2025)