Rong Ma

Rong Ma, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of North Texas Health Science Center's College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. He earned his PhD from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (1999) and holds MS/BS degrees from Anhui Medical University, China.

His research focuses on calcium signaling mechanisms in kidney glomerular mesangial cells and vascular smooth muscle, particularly in diabetic complications. Key interests include:

• Store-operated calcium channels in diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis
• TRPC channel regulation of glomerular function and vascular tone
• Involvement of inhibitor of myogenic family (I-mfa) in diabetic renal injury

His 15 most recent publications (2004-2018) consistently explore calcium channel dynamics (TRPC/Orai), oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix regulation in diabetic nephropathy. Primary methodologies include cell cultures, animal models, and molecular signaling analysis.

Active grants include:

• NIH/NIDDK RO1 ($1.3M, 2017-2021): 'Store-operated Ca²⁺ signaling in glomerular mesangial cells'
• AHA Transformational Project Award ($300K, 2021-2023): 'Glomerular hyperfiltration mechanisms in diabetes'

Teaching areas encompass Renal Physiology and Cell Physiology. Service includes membership on the Faculty Grievance & Appeal Committee and Promotion/Tenure Committee for CBTS.