Kidney Research Centre

Our Research

At the KRC, focus is on the prevention of kidney disease and finding improved treatments. Basic laboratory scientists (Drs. K. Burns [Director], T. Fairhead, C. Kennedy, R. L. Hébert and R. Touyz) conduct research on the molecular pathways that lead to kidney damage in humans. Current studies are focused on:

• How does diabetes cause kidney damage?
• How does high blood pressure injure blood vessels, leading to kidney failure?
• How do the tiny filters within kidneys, (glomeruli) get injured in many forms of kidney disease (glomerulonephritis)?
• What is the effect of certain pain medications (antiinflammatory drugs) on kidney structure and function?

With the assistance of a dedicated team of research nurse coordinators, and a clinical trials manager (Ms. J. Cheesman), KRC clinical investigators (Drs. A. Akbari, S. Hiremath, G. Knoll, P. Magner, B, McCormick, M. Ruzicka, D. Zimmerman and others) conduct research studies in patients with kidney disease, directed at:

• Improving the early detection of kidney disease.
• Finding better treatments to prevent kidney transplant failure.
• Improving the lives of people on dialysis.
• Discovering the causes of high blood pressure in people with kidney disease.

For details on recent publications from the KRC, see the KRC Annual Report 2009.