Scholars@Duke
Robert Frank Spurney

Robert Frank Spurney

Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Nephrology
spurn002@mc.duke.edu
Duke Box 103015, Durham, NC 27710
Box 103015, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

Dr. Spurney’s research has focused on the role of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in regulating cellular physiology both in normal and disease states as well as the regulatory mechanisms that modulate GPCR responsiveness at the molecular level. These studies have centered on two major themes. The first investigates the role of GPCR signaling pathways in regulating podocyte function using cultured podocytes and transgenic animals models. The second area of research involves the role of GPCR kinases (GRKs) and arrestin scaffolding proteins in modulating GPCR signaling in bone forming osteoblasts using cultured osteoblast cell lines as well as genetically modified mice including transgenic models and knockout animals. The long-term goal of these studies is to identify novel therapeutic targets that may useful for treating disease processes such as glomerulonephritis and osteoporosis.

Please see the Duke Nephrology Division website for more detailed information.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor of Medicine · 2012 - Present Medicine, Nephrology, Medicine
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 1983 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications

Pharmacologic blockade of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor promotes weight loss and enhances insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

Journal Article Transl Res · May 2023 While natriuretic peptides (NPs) are primarily known for their renal and cardiovascular actions, NPs stimulate lipolysis in adipocytes and induce a thermogenic program in white adipose tissue (WAT) that resembles brown fat. The biologic effects of NPs are ... Full text Link to item Cite

Blockade of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor attenuates proteinuria in a mouse model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Journal Article Physiol Rep · November 2021 Glomerular podocytes play a key role in proteinuric diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that cGMP signaling has podocyte protective effects. The major source of cGMP generation in podocytes is natriuretic peptides. The natriuretic peptide clearance re ... Full text Link to item Cite

Twist1 in podocytes ameliorates podocyte injury and proteinuria by limiting CCL2-dependent macrophage infiltration.

Journal Article JCI Insight · August 9, 2021 The transcription factor Twist1 regulates several processes that could impact kidney disease progression, including epithelial cell differentiation and inflammatory cytokine induction. Podocytes are specialized epithelia that exhibit features of immune cel ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants

U2C/TL1 NC KUH TRIO Administrative Core

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2028

REGULATORS OF CALCINEURIN PATHWAYS AS DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2026

A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Treat Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) R21

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications

Ohio State University · 1983 M.D.