UKRO works primarily, but not exclusively, in conjunction with the USC Renal Research Group (USC/RRG) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
The members of the USC/RRG share a common interest in stopping the increase of kidney disease by understanding the difference between normal kidney function and chronic kidney disease and by developing strategies to prevent and treat conditions associated with chronic kidney disease.
The USC/RRG consists of five laboratories of nationally recognized experts in renal research:
Vito M. Campese, M.D.Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Biophysics, Chief, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Center
Dr. Campese studies the nervous system’s regulation of kidney function, as well as the role blood pressure plays in kidney malfunctions.
Alicia McDonough, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Cell and Neurobiology
Dr. McDonough is focused on determining how the kidneys transport sodium, potassium, and water through the body and developing strategies to adjust blood pressure and prevent kidney disease.
Janos Peti-Peterdi M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Physiology and Medicine/Nephrology
Dr. Peti-Peterdi is an expert in using microscopes to observe the functioning kidney. His lab uses this approach to determine how diabetes raises blood pressure and controls hormones produced by the kidney.
Donald Marsh, M.D. Dean Emeritus, Brown University Medical School and Professor of Medical Science
Using applied mathematics and experimental approaches, Dr. Marsh studies how kidney function oscillates in a healthy kidney and why these fluctuations become irregular with hypertension.
