Elena Torban

Elena Torban, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University, and a 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 MUHC.

Dr. Torban's research interests focus on kidney development and disease mechanisms. Her laboratory pursues two major research programs: one investigating pathogenic mechanisms of kidney birth defects related to planar cell polarity pathways in mammalian development, and another studying glomerular diseases, particularly focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Her work employs molecular and biochemical methods, mouse models of disease, genetic mutation analysis, and patient serum screening to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and identify potential treatments.

Analysis of Dr. Torban's publication record from 2004-2025 reveals consistent scholarly output with increasing focus on ciliopathies, podocyte biology, and glomerular diseases. Her research has evolved from fundamental studies on planar cell polarity in development to clinical applications in kidney disease diagnosis and treatment. Recent publications demonstrate growing interest in patient-derived cell models and expanding the phenotypic understanding of genetic kidney disorders.

Dr. Torban has established significant research collaborations, particularly with researchers including Goodyer P, Kitzler T, and Kachurina N, indicating a well-developed network in the nephrology research community. Her work spans basic science investigations through translational research toward clinical applications.

Her laboratory utilizes various technologies including cell culture, omics approaches, biochemistry, and specialized mouse models to investigate kidney development and disease mechanisms. This multidisciplinary approach allows comprehensive investigation of renal pathogenesis from molecular to organismal levels.