Scholars@Duke
Thomas Myron Coffman

Thomas Myron Coffman

James R. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Medicine, in the School of Medicine
Medicine, Nephrology
coffm002@duke.edu
Duke Box 103015, Durham, NC 27710
Room 2018/MSBR2, 106 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

My laboratory is interested mechanisms of kidney injury in disease states and the role of the kidney in regulation of blood pressure. Our research addresses issues that are relevant to disorders such as hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, transplant rejection, and autoimmune diseases. We have been particularly interested in two hormone systems that impact these processes: (1) the renin-angiotensin system and (2) lipid mediators derived from cyco-oxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. Our studies have taken advantage of available technologies for producing genetic alterations in mice to study the physiology of these systems. As one example, we generated and characterized lines of mice lacking the major physiological receptors for angiotensin II in the mouse. These studies have provided novel information regarding the role of these receptors in blood pressure homeostasis, in promoting kidney injury in disease states, and in the regulation of inflammation. A major objective of our work is to identify new approaches to treatment and disease prevention. To this end, we are using molecular genetic technology to develop and refine mouse models of human diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, kidney transplant rejection, and hypertension.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

James R. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Medicine, in the School of Medicine · 2002 - Present Medicine, Nephrology, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 1999 - Present Medicine, Nephrology, Medicine
Professor in Cell Biology · 2005 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Professor in Integrative Immunobiology · 2006 - Present Integrative Immunobiology, Basic Science Departments

In the News

Published March 27, 2020
Duke Researchers Pivot to Attack the New Coronavirus
Published December 15, 2014
Thomas Coffman Named Dean-Designate of Duke-NUS Medical School

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Recent Publications

Urine Choline Oxidation Metabolites Predict Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Journal Article J Clin Endocrinol Metab · December 18, 2025 CONTEXT: Choline is metabolized in kidney tubules but the relationship between choline metabolism and kidney disease has not been systematically characterized. OBJECTIVE: To study whether urine metabolites in the choline oxidation pathway may predict the r ... Full text Link to item Cite

Retinal Neuronal Changes and Kidney Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus.

Journal Article Clin Exp Ophthalmol · December 2025 BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) share common microvascular pathophysiology, yet the relationship between retinal neuronal alterations and kidney dysfunction remains unclear. This cross-sectional study examines the as ... Full text Link to item Cite

Urinary Branched-Chain Amino Acid Excretion and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Journal Article Diabetes · November 21, 2025 UNLABELLED: Preclinical studies suggest that activating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism may improve chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this prospective clinical study, we sought to examine the association between urinary BCAA excretion and risk o ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants

2/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University

ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Duke CTSA (TL1) Year 5

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2024

Postdoctoral Training in Genomic Medicine Research

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2017 - 2023

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Education, Training & Certifications

Ohio State University · 1980 M.D.