Mykola Mamenko

Mykola Mamenko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. He holds a tenure-track academic appointment and is actively engaged in research, teaching, and service. His academic background includes a PhD in Biophysics from the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv, Ukraine, and postdoctoral training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Education:

• BS in Biology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine (1998–2002)
• MS in Biophysics, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine (2002–2004)
• PhD in Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv, Ukraine (2007–2010)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (2010–2015)

Dr. Mamenko's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of calcium signaling in renal epithelial cells, particularly in the collecting duct, and its role in water and electrolyte homeostasis. His work investigates how disruptions in TRPV4 and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) contribute to diseases such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). He employs techniques including patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology.

His recent publications (2011–2023) reveal a consistent focus on ion channels (especially TRPV4 and ENaC), hormonal regulation (angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin), sex differences in hypertension, and the pathophysiology of renal diseases. The articles span experimental models in rodents and cellular systems, emphasizing translational insights into human kidney disorders.

Scientific Awards:

• Epithelial Transport Group Meritorious Research Award, American Physiological Society (2017)
• Renal Section Research Recognition Award, American Physiological Society (2017)
• Dean’s Excellence in Research Award, University of Texas Medical School (2015)
• Renal Section Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award, American Physiological Society (2015)
• Young Investigator Award, Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2015)

Dr. Mamenko mentors graduate and undergraduate students, including Alena Cherezova and Vadym Buncha, and has secured multiple research grants. He serves on professional committees, including for the American Heart Association and the American Physiological Society, and has chaired sessions at national meetings. He is actively involved in the Graduate School and departmental seminar series, contributing to academic leadership and student development.

His laboratory, part of the Kidney and Hypertension Research Group, continues to explore novel therapeutic targets for PKD and NDI by modulating calcium signaling pathways. Future work is likely to expand on sex-specific mechanisms and pharmacological interventions targeting TRPV4 and SOCE.