About our research group/lab
The role of the kidney tubule
The Rotterdam Kidney Lab investigates the role of the kidney tubule in common and rare kidney diseases. Chronic kidney disease represents a global health burden, while rare kidney diseases provide valuable models for understanding fundamental mechanisms that also contribute to more prevalent conditions. Our research focuses on fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disorders, chronic kidney disease, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and inherited tubulopathies.
Translational and pre-clinical research
We pursue a translational research strategy that bridges fundamental discoveries and clinical application. Using human disease models, including kidney organoids and tubuloids, alongside animal models, we investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. These pre-clinical studies are closely integrated with clinical and epidemiological research.
Non-invasive biomarker discovery
We use patient urine samples as a non-invasive source for biomarker discovery. Our work includes proteomic analysis of urinary extracellular vesicles – nanosized particles that provide a molecular window into kidney disease – to identify and validate clinically actionable tubular biomarkers. In parallel, we apply untargeted metabolomic profiling of urine and plasma to uncover complementary biochemical signatures of kidney health and disease.
Clinical trials and population studies
We lead investigator-initiated clinical trials, with a specific focus on dietary interventions as non-pharmacological strategies to slow kidney disease progression. In addition, we collaborate with large population-based cohorts, including the Rotterdam Study, integrating electrolyte, genetic, and clinical data to identify determinants of kidney health.
Research Lines
Learn more:
www.RotterdamKidneyLab.com
A dietary intervention study investigating whether lowering dietary acid load in individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease can improve kidney function and metabolic health. The study will also explore how responses may differ by sex and ethnicity, and examine the role of the gut microbiota.
- INSIDE-CKD (2025-2029):
A mechanistic investigation of the role of acid stress in modifying kidney cell metabolism in chronic kidney disease. This study uses a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and human studies to examine the impact of acid-base balance on kidney cell injury susceptibility.
U-Tube will use cutting-edge innovations to identify urinary biomarkers for tubular function that are targetable and implementable in clinical practice. If successful, it will advance the prediction of CKD progression, and as such redefine how we assess kidney health. By enabling early kidney-protective treatment, U-Tube has the potential to vastly improve CKD outcomes.
Biomarker and proof-of-principle study on lithogenic urine profile, disease progression and citrate therapy in ADPKD.
Publications on PubMed
- Ewout J. Hoorn
View publications on PubMed - PH Imenez Silva
View publications on PubMed - Mahdi Salih
View publications on PubMed
