Renal electrolyte handling

Research Research groups Renal electrolyte handling

Minerals in motion From new ion transporters to new concepts

This research group studies the regulation of ion transport processes in kidney and small intestine in health and disease. Current projects involve the molecular mechanisms underlying rare tubulopathies and the regulation of the newly identified calcium, magnesium and sodium transporters.

Research group leader

René Bindels PhD
full professor

+31 (0)24 361 42 11
contact

Aims

Our group has several aims.

The successful cloning by our team of the epithelial calcium channel TRPV5 offers a realistic approach to study aspects of a calcium influx pathway.

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Calcium balance
Alterations in calcium (re)absorption are present in many physiological and pathophysiological states including hypercalciuric stone disease, osteoporosis, chronic renal failure, diabetes, chronic administration of diuretics and immunosuppressors. The successful cloning by our team of the epithelial calcium channel TRPV5 offers a realistic approach to study the physiological, functional and regulatory aspects of this calcium influx pathway.
We aim to identify additional renal magnesium transporters by studying rare inherited forms of hypomagnesemia.

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Magnesium balance
Magnesium is of great importance by its function in neuromuscular excitability, protein synthesis and nucleic acid stability. The epithelial magnesium channel TRPM6 was identified as the responsible gene in patients with severe hypomagnesemia. We aim to identify additional renal magnesium transporters by studying rare inherited forms of hypomagnesemia.
The aim is to further understand the molecular pathogenesis underlying the development of salt-sensitive hypertension.

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Sodium balance
Hypertension represents a health problem, affecting 1.25 billion people worldwide and is responsible for cardiovascular and end-stage renal disease. The aim is to further understand the molecular pathogenesis underlying the development of salt-sensitive hypertension.
We aim to supply a stimulating international working environment in which young talents can further develop their skills in renal transport physiology in health and disease.

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Junior scientists
It is important to train and educate a new generation of scientists devoted to renal electrolyte disorders. We aim to supply a stimulating international working environment in which young talents can further develop their skills in renal transport physiology in health and disease.