VUMC discovery one step closer to treatment for kidney fibrosis
Study shows that deletion of EGFR from myeloid cells accelerated recovery from acute kidney injury and reduced subsequent fibrosis.
Study suggests possible stem-cell solution for acute kidney injury
In a preclinical study conducted by Dr. Lauren Woodard (Nephrology and Hypertension) and colleagues, stem cells isolated from the urine of healthy donors stimulated regeneration of acutely injured kidney tissue.
Elite society honors two VUMC physician-scientists
The ASCI recognized two faculty researchers in the Department of Medicine with Young Physician-Scientist Awards. Drs. Juan Pablo Arroyo Ornelas (Nephrology and Hypertension) and David Patrick (Clinical Pharmacology), have received the awards from the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI).
Blockbuster obesity drugs also may slow kidney disease
The report supports previous clinical trials that found the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug semaglutide reduced kidney disease progression in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Directorships honor VUMC leaders and philanthropic partners
Five Department of Medicine faculty are among the 17 leaders across VUMC honored for their expertise in clinical care, research, education and administration.
Low potassium ‘turns on’ kidney proximal tubule: study
Andrew Terker, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Nephrology and Hypertension), and a a multidisciplinary research team have identified a protein in the kidney that responds to low levels of blood potassium and the signaling pathways that it uses to change kidney function.
Their findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest that the protein — a potassium channel called Kir4.2 — may be a target for new therapeutics to treat kidney disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Vanderbilt Transplant Center finishes fiscal year with record 809 solid organ transplants
Vanderbilt’s adult heart, lung, liver and kidney transplant programs individually had record fiscal years, with 150 heart transplants, 90 lung transplants, 180 liver transplants and 333 kidney transplants. In addition, adult transplant teams performed three heart/lung transplants and four kidney/pancreas transplants. Heidi Schaefer, MD (Nephrology and Hypertension), is the medical director of Adult Solid Organ Transplant.
Four Department of Medicine faculty elected AAAS fellows
Four Department of Medicine faculty are among the seven Vanderbilt University faculty who have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.