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 Immunology · 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

Metabolomics profiling in multi-ancestral individuals with type 2 diabetes in Singapore identified metabolites associated with renal function decline.

Journal Article Diabetologia · March 2025 AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to explore the association between plasma metabolites and chronic kidney disease progression in individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive metabolomic analysis in a prospective cohort study of 5 ... Full text Link to item Cite

Urine Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolites and Risk of End-stage Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Journal Article J Clin Endocrinol Metab · January 21, 2025 CONTEXT: Metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) pathway have pleiotropic functions. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between urine TCA cycle metabolites and the risk for chronic kidney disease progression in individuals with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Singapore Health Services and Duke University-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School Academic Medical Center: Transforming Medicine Through Collaborative Innovation

Journal Article Academic Medicine · January 1, 2025 Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) and Duke University-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School (Duke-NUS) established an academic partnership, which was born out of a single vision to transform medicine and improve lives. This partners ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants

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

Multidisciplinary Heart and Vascular Diseases

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1975 - 2023

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Education, Training & Certifications

Ohio State University · 1980 M.D.