Overview
Our laboratory explores the contribution of the immune system and inflammatory mediators to the progression of target organ damage in the setting of cardiovascular disease. We are pursuing several related projects in this field:
(1) The actions of type 1 angiotensin receptors on specific immune cell populations in hypertension, target organ damage, and tissue fibrosis.
(2) Cell-specific actions of inflammatory cytokines in regulating blood pressure and end-organ injury.
(3) Mechanism through which dendritic cells regulate renal sodium reabsorption.
(4) The contributions of Wnt O-acylation to kidney scar formation.
(1) The actions of type 1 angiotensin receptors on specific immune cell populations in hypertension, target organ damage, and tissue fibrosis.
(2) Cell-specific actions of inflammatory cytokines in regulating blood pressure and end-organ injury.
(3) Mechanism through which dendritic cells regulate renal sodium reabsorption.
(4) The contributions of Wnt O-acylation to kidney scar formation.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Medicine
·
2020 - Present
Medicine, Nephrology,
Medicine
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1996 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Pressure in Practice: A New Clinical Case Series in Hypertension.
Journal Article Hypertension · May 2026 Full text Link to item CiteShedding light on the role of extracellular vesicles in renal fibrosis.
Journal Article Fundam Res · March 2026 Renal fibrosis is the final common pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD); thus, preventing the fibrotic process is essential to retarding CKD progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membranous particles comprising exosomes and microves ... Full text Link to item CiteImmunological actions of the renin angiotensin system
Journal Article Current Opinion in Physiology · March 1, 2026 The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is classically recognized as a hormonal cascade governing blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and intravascular volume homeostasis. Activation of this system is initiated by renin release from juxtaglomerular cells and c ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Epithelial actions of a ubiquitin editor restrict immune-regulated sodium transport in hypertension
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2031The cooperative role of RelA and Twist1 in the pathogenesis of hypertension
FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by ASN Foundation for Kidney Research · 2026 - 2028TRIO NRSA Training Core-Post Doc Trainee
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2028View All Grants
Education
Duke University ·
1996
M.D.