Robert Frank Spurney

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.