Oleg Palygin

Oleg Palygin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), College of Medicine, where he also holds the SmartState Endowed Chair in Renal Disease Biomarkers. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of kidney function, particularly in the context of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and polycystic kidney disease.

His research interests center on ion channels (especially Kir and TRPC families), purinergic signaling, podocyte physiology, and the regulation of renal sodium and water balance. He employs advanced techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, two-photon and intravital imaging, scanning ion-conductance microscopy, and enzymatic biosensors to study real-time signaling in kidney tissues.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward understanding the role of purinergic, protease-activated, and cannabinoid signaling in kidney injury, with a focus on glomerular and tubular function in salt-sensitive and metabolic disease models. Much of his work involves genetically modified rat models and translational approaches to identify therapeutic targets.

Among his honors is the prestigious SmartState Endowed Chair, recognizing his contributions to renal biomarker research.

Dr. Palygin actively collaborates on NIH-funded research and mentors students and postdoctoral researchers. His laboratory investigates the mechanisms controlling inwardly rectifying K+ channels (Kir) and their role in blood pressure regulation and renal salt handling. He is involved in multiple studies using intravital imaging to visualize kidney function in real time, particularly in models of hypertension and diabetes.

His lab is part of a larger renal research team at MUSC focused on cardiorenal syndrome, channelopathies, and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease. He frequently collaborates with experts in imaging, genetics, and vascular biology to advance understanding of renal pathophysiology.