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Kidney Physiopathology

Our main scientific interest is to understand, from a multidisciplinary and translational approach, the molecular and cellular processes leading to renal dysfunction in several kidney pathologies. Specifically, our research lines are

  • to study the pathophysiology of inherited rare renal tubulopathies
  • to understand the mechanisms of kidney injury and regeneration
  • to study the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)
  • the study the impact of androgens on those processes.

We are experts on the following areas:

  • the generation of cellular disease models carrying specific gene alterations,
  • genetically modified animal models and gene therapies,
  • life-imaging high-resolution microscopy
  • working with patients’ samples for translational research.

To sum up, our research main objective is to combine –omic data from cellular and animal models with patients’ data to identify novel biomarkers and possible treatments for several renal diseases.

Team

Ramón Vilalta Casas

Ramón Vilalta Casas

Main researcher
Kidney Physiopathology
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Anna Gelpí López

Anna Gelpí López

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Consuelo Garcia Carmona

Consuelo Garcia Carmona

Research technician
Kidney Physiopathology
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Lucas Regis Plácido

Lucas Regis Plácido

Postdoctoral researcher
Kidney Physiopathology
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Maria Clotet Di Iorio

Maria Clotet Di Iorio

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Mariona Asensio Pedrol

Mariona Asensio Pedrol

Research technician
Kidney Physiopathology
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Ramón Vilalta Casas

Ramón Vilalta Casas

Main researcher
Kidney Physiopathology
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Anna Gelpí López

Anna Gelpí López

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Consuelo Garcia Carmona

Consuelo Garcia Carmona

Research technician
Kidney Physiopathology
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Lucas Regis Plácido

Lucas Regis Plácido

Postdoctoral researcher
Kidney Physiopathology
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Maria Clotet Di Iorio

Maria Clotet Di Iorio

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Mariona Asensio Pedrol

Mariona Asensio Pedrol

Research technician
Kidney Physiopathology
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Research lines

Androgen activity in renal pathophysiology: Identification of androgen-regulated kidney-specific genes and functional characterization of them, in processes of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis underlying chronic kidney disease, hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

Among the genes identified in our laboratory that are kidney-specific and regulated by androgens at the transcriptional level we are particularly focused on the one that codes for the kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP). Besides characterization of  the functional promoter elements that enable KAP expression in proximal tubule epithelial cells, we have generated a transgenic (Tg) mouse model that overexpresses KAP in proximal tubule cells under the presence of androgens, in order to mimick the endogenous KAP expression pattern. KAP Tg mice show altered lipid metabolism, glycosuria, proteinuria and hypertension, as well as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis mediated by increased oxidative stress. We are currently working in this Tg model and also preparing conditional knock-out mice to further caharacterize the role of KAP in renal pathophysiology. Moreover, we are also studying the role of KAP in the metabolic syndrome. Besides KAP, we are studying the role of KAP-interacting immunophilins  in inflammation and kidney fibrosis.

IP: Anna Meseguer Navarro

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Idiopathic nonfamilial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSG) is a disease with no treatment, whose usual outcome is end-stage renal disease frequently recidivating after transplantation. In close cooperation with the Nephrology and Paediatric Nephrology services of  Vall d'Hebron hospital together with hospitals throughout the country that provide a significant number of patients, we intend to identify the hypothetical blood factor that causes the proteinuria observed in this disease. Identification of such plasma factor, by means of differential proteomic analysis, would allow the definition of therapeutic targets for the disease, which currently lacks an effective treatment. Our second objective is to find biomarkers that enable us to foresee a potential recidivation and the consequent loss of the graft following renal transplantation to FSG patients.

IP: Joan López Hellin

Mechanisms of chronic renal disease progression and cardiovascular risk in pediatric patients with chronic renal disease

Pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) constitude a high risk group for cardiovascular disease (CVD) related to traditional and non-traditional risk factors. We are interested in studying the relationship between traditional CVD risk factors (obesity, overweight, anemia, dyslipemia, malnutrition, hypertension, and non-traditional CVD risk factors (homocysteine, asymmetric dymethylarginine (ADMA), FGF23, ultraselective protein C (PCR) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents with CKD, based on its severity and duration.  Further, we are also interested in finding a biomarker to identify early in the disease, those patients with increased CVD risk and poor outcome.

IP: Gema Ariceta Iraola

Pathologic mechanisms leading to chronic allograft disease and detection of early markers.

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is one of the major causes of graft loss in kidney-transplanted patients. The pathogenetic mechanisms of CAN are probably multifactorial, including early noxious agents as a consequence of  ischemia/ reperfusion of the graft or high loading doses of anticalcineurinics (aCN), and also chronic damage following aCN therapy, rejection or other reasons. We want to determine the proteomic and genomic changes occurring in tubular cells after different noxious agents (cyclosporin, tacrolimus, other renal toxicants, hypoxia), and also the effects caused by immunophilin silencing (anticalcineurin receptors) in the renal proximal tubule cells. Our objective is to identify specific markers of kidney injury that would be useful to anticipate toxicity or injury in early starges. Those putative markers will be clinically validated in collaboration with the Nephrology and the Pathology services of Vall d’Hebron Hospital.

IP: -

Projects

Unravelling CIC-5 role on glycosylation and its link with proximal tubule functioning

IP: Gerard Cantero Recasens
Collaborators: -
Funding agency: Mizutani Foundation for Glycoscience
Funding: 45000
Reference: MIZUTANI FOUNDATION FOR GLYCOSCIENCE - 2022
Duration: 01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024

GRE: Sistema Nerviòs Perifèric

IP: -
Collaborators: Maria Salvadó Figueras, Consuelo Garcia Carmona, José Manuel Vidal Taboada, Javier Joaquín Sotoca Fernández, Arnau Llauradó Gayete, Daniel Sánchez-Tejerin San José, Laura Zalba Jadraque, Carmen Landabaso Roquero
Funding agency: AGAUR no fer servir-correcte 4301-37
Funding: 0.01
Reference: 2021 SGR 01121
Duration: 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2024

NA

IP: Anna Meseguer Navarro
Collaborators: Gema Ariceta Iraola, Alejandro Cruz Gual, Gerard Cantero Recasens, David Lorente García, Marina Muñoz López, Mercedes López González, Hector Rios Duro, Mónica Durán Fernández, Luis Augusto Castro Sáder, Gloria Mª Fraga Rodriguez , Julieta Torchia
Funding agency: AGAUR no fer servir-correcte 4301-37
Funding: 40000
Reference: 2021 SGR 01600
Duration: 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2024

Biomarcadores, dianas y soluciones terapéuticas para mejorar el cuidado de pacientes afectados de Hipomagnesemia Familiar con Hipercalciuria y Nefrocalcinosis (HFHNC).

IP: Gema Ariceta Iraola
Collaborators: Hector Rios Duro, Mónica Durán Fernández, Gloria Mª Fraga Rodriguez , Julieta Torchia
Funding agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 202070
Reference: PI22/01946
Duration: 01/01/2023 - 31/12/2025

Publications

Behavior of SelectMDx and Prostate-specific Antigen Density in the Challenging Scenario of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System Category 3 Lesions.

PMID: 34602313
Journal: EUROPEAN UROLOGY
Year: 2022
Reference: Eur Urol. 2022 Jan;81(1):124-125. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.09.019. Epub 2021 Sep 30.
Impact factor: 20.096
Publication type: Letter whit IF
Authors: Morote, Juan; Diaz, Fernando; Celma, Anna; Planas, Jacques; Trilla, Enrique et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.09.019

Evaluating the impact of the learning curve on the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion.

PMID: 34840098
Journal: Actas Urologicas Espanolas
Year: 2022
Reference: Actas Urol Esp (Engl Ed). 2022 Jan-Feb;46(1):57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2021.05.004. Epub 2021 Nov 25.
Impact factor: 0.994
Publication type: Paper in national publication
Authors: Trilla, E; Raventos, C X; Salvador, C; Lopez-Molina, C; Carrion, A; Campistol, M; Pinero, A; Lozano, F et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2021.05.004

Reconciling short-term clinical and Immunological outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Solid Organ Transplant recipients.

PMID: 34554648
Journal: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
Year: 2022
Reference: Am J Transplant. 2022 Feb;22(2):673-675. doi: 10.1111/ajt.16855. Epub 2021 Oct 5.
Impact factor: 8.086
Publication type: Letter or abstract
Authors: Toapanta, Nestor; Esperalba, Juliana; Campos-Varela, Isabel; Pont, Teresa; Len, Oscar; Campins, Magda; Moreso, Francesc; Crespo, Elena; Munoz, Marina; Lopez, Manuel et al.
DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16855

Is Tumor Budding a New Predictor for Early Cystectomy in pT1 High-Grade Bladder Cancer?

PMID: 34352790
Journal: UROLOGIA INTERNATIONALIS
Year: 2022
Reference: Urol Int. 2022;106(2):154-162. doi: 10.1159/000517543. Epub 2021 Aug 5.
Impact factor: 2.089
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Raventos Busquets, Carles X; Semidey, M Eugenia; Lozano Palacio, Fernando; Carrion Puig, Albert; Aula Olivar, Ana; De Torres Ramirez, Ines M; Trilla Herrera, Enrique et al.
DOI: 10.1159/000517543

Clinical and genetic characterization of a cohort of proteinuric patients with biallelic CUBN variants.

PMID: 34610128
Journal: NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
Year: 2021
Reference: Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2021 Oct 5. pii: 6381717. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfab285.
Impact factor: 5.992
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Domingo-Gallego, Andrea, Pybus, Marc, Madariaga, Leire, Pinero-Fernandez, Juan Alberto, Gonzalez-Pastor, Sara, Lopez-Gonzalez, Mercedes, Simarro-Rueda, Esther, Quintanilla-Mata, Maria Luisa, Matoses-Ruiperez, Maria Luisa, Ejarque-Vila, Laia et al.
DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfab285

Multidimensional inflammatory and immunological endotypes of idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and their association with treatment outcomes.

PMID: 34221390
Journal: Clinical Kidney Journal
Year: 2021
Reference: Clin Kidney J. 2020 Dec 14;14(7):1826-1834. doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfaa265. eCollection 2021 Jul.
Impact factor: 4.452
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Roca, Neus, Madrid, Alvaro, Lopez, Mercedes, Fraga, Gloria, Jatem, Elias, Gonzalez, Jorge, Martinez, Cristina, Segarra, Alfons et al.
DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfaa265

Nutritional status and volume control in adolescents on chronic hemodialysis.

PMID: 33988730
Journal: PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY
Year: 2021
Reference: Pediatr Nephrol. 2021 Nov;36(11):3733-3740. doi: 10.1007/s00467-021-05089-6. Epub 2021 May 14.
Impact factor: 3.714
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Paglialonga, Fabio, Consolo, Silvia, Brambilla, Marta, Caporale, Olga, Gual, Alejandro Cruz, Grassi, Maria Rosa, Montini, Giovanni et al.
DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05089-6

Novel Dent Disease 1 cellular models reveal biological processes underlying ClC-5 loss-of-function.

PMID: 33987651
Journal: HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
Year: 2021
Reference: Hum Mol Genet. 2021 Jul 9;30(15):1413-1428. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddab131.
Impact factor: 6.15
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Duran, Monica, Burballa, Carla, Cantero-Recasens, Gerard, Butnaru, Cristian M, Malhotra, Vivek, Ariceta, Gema, Sarro, Eduard, Meseguer, Anna et al.
DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab131

Emergence Delirium: Can Corticosteroids Contribute to It?

PMID: 33133750
Journal: Journal of pediatric intensive care
Year: 2020
Reference: J Pediatr Intensive Care. 2020 Dec;9(4):304-306. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1709655. Epub 2020 Apr 17.
Impact factor: 0
Publication type: Letter or abstract
Authors: Esmel-Vilomara, Roger, Cruz, Alejandro, Inoriza, Cristina, Andreu, Eva, Munar, Francisca et al.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709655

Long-term outcome in a case series of Denys-Drash syndrome.

PMID: 31807296
Journal: Clinical Kidney Journal
Year: 2019
Reference: Clin Kidney J. 2019 Mar 16;12(6):836-839. doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfz022. eCollection 2019 Dec.
Impact factor: 2.975
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Roca, Neus, Munoz, Marina, Cruz, Alejandro, Vilalta, Ramon, Lara, Enrique, Ariceta, Gema et al.
DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfz022

Prediabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease following renal transplantation.

PMID: 31611066
Journal: KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
Year: 2019
Reference: Kidney Int. 2019 Dec;96(6):1374-1380. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.06.026. Epub 2019 Aug 14.
Impact factor: 8.306
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Porrini, Esteban, Diaz, Juan Manuel, Moreso, Francesc, Lauzurrica, Ricardo, Ibernon, Meritxel, Torres, Irene Silva, Ruiz, Rocio Benitez, Rodriguez Rodriguez, Ana Elena, Mallen, Patricia Delgado, Bayes-Genis, Beatriz et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.06.026

A patient with suspected non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction and remarkably high brain natriuretic peptide levels.

PMID: 26440456
Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
Year: 2016
Reference: Int J Cardiol. 2016 Jan 1;202:485-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.09.048. Epub 2015 Sep 25.
Impact factor: 4.036
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Baneras, Jordi, Buera, Irene, Oristrell, Gerard, Sansano, Irene, Fort, Joan, Ibernon, Meritxell, Marti, Gerard, Barrabes, Jose A, Dorado, David Garcia et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.09.048

Clinical evolution of post-transplant diabetes mellitus.

PMID: 26538615
Journal: NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
Year: 2016
Reference: Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2016 Mar;31(3):495-505. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfv368. Epub 2015 Nov 3.
Impact factor: 4.085
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Ruiz, Juan C, Porrini, Esteban L, Diaz, Jose M, Moreso, Francisco, Delgado Mallen, Patricia I, Silva Torres, Irene, Ibernon, Meritxell, Bayes-Genis, Beatriz, Benitez-Ruiz, Rocio, Lampreabe, Ildefonso et al.
DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv368

Renal Biopsy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

PMID: 26239461
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Year: 2015
Reference: J Clin Med. 2015 May 18;4(5):998-1009. doi: 10.3390/jcm4050998.
Impact factor: 0
Publication type: Review in international publication
Authors: Seron, Daniel, Ramos, Natalia, Espinel, Eugenia, Agraz, Irene, Ibernon, Meritxell, Fort, Joan et al.
DOI: 10.3390/jcm4050998

Low serum mannose-binding lectin levels are associated with inflammation and apoptosis in early surveillance allograft biopsies.

PMID: 25073029
Journal: TRANSPL IMMUNOL
Year: 2014
Reference: Transpl Immunol. 2014 Sep;31(3):152-6. doi: 10.1016/j.trim.2014.07.001. Epub 2014 Jul 26.
Impact factor: 1.832
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Ibernon, M, Moreso, F, O'Valle, F, Grinyo, J M, Moral, R G, Seron, D et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2014.07.001

Hypertension in chronic kidney disease: the influence of renal transplantation.

PMID: 24770618
Journal: TRANSPLANTATION
Year: 2014
Reference: Transplantation. 2014 Sep 15;98(5):537-42. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000000103.
Impact factor: 3.535
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Azancot, Maria A, Ramos, Natalia, Moreso, Francesc J, Ibernon, Meritxell, Espinel, Eugenia, Torres, Irina B, Fort, Joan, Seron, Daniel et al.
DOI: 10.1097/TP.0000000000000103

Innate immunity in renal transplantation: The role of mannose-binding lectin.

PMID: 24321303
Journal: TRANSPLANT REV-ORLAN
Year: 2014
Reference: Transplant Rev (Orlando). 2014 Jan;28(1):21-5. doi: 10.1016/j.trre.2013.10.006. Epub 2013 Oct 26.
Impact factor: 2.66
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Ibernon, Meritxell, Moreso, Francesc, Seron, Daniel et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2013.10.006

Subclinical rejection in renal transplants is associated with low serum mannose-binding lectin levels.

PMID: 25018901
Journal: Kidney international supplements
Year: 2011
Reference: Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2011 Aug;1(2):36-39. doi: 10.1038/kisup.2011.10.
Impact factor: 0
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Ibernon, Meritxell, Moreso, Francesc, Seron, Daniel et al.
DOI: 10.1038/kisup.2011.10

Thesis

Estudi dels mecanismes genètics i moleculars associats a les diferències fenotípiques observades en pacients amb hipomagnesèmia familiar amb hiporcalciúria i nefrocalcinosi (HFHNC)

PhD student: Mónica Vall Palomar
Director/s: Gema Ariceta Iraola, Anna Meseguer Navarro
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2020

Identification of time- and sex-dependent pathways involved in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a porcine model. Link to renal cancer.

PhD student: Stephane Nemours , Stephane Nemours
Director/s: Anna Meseguer Navarro
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2020

Desarrollo de modelos celulares de la enfermedad de Dent para la identificación de los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que subyacen a la progresión de la enfermedad

PhD student: Mónica Durán Fernández
Director/s: Anna Meseguer Navarro, Gema Ariceta Iraola
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2020

The role of STAT3 phosphorylation state in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)

PhD student: Jazmine Paola Arevalo Bautista
Director/s: Anna Meseguer Navarro
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2019

Exosomes in uterine aspirates: characterization and identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in endometrial cancer

PhD student: Irene Campoy Moncayo
Director/s: Antonio Gil Moreno, Jaume Reventós Puigjaner, Eva Colas Ortega
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2017

Evaluación de factores moleculares asociados a la respuesta a CETUXIMAB: Integración con tratamientos de radioterapia y quimiterapia en carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello

PhD student: Maria Eugenia Semidey Raven, Maria Eugenia Semidey Raven
Director/s: Jordi Giralt López de Sagred, Santiago Ramon y Cajal Agüeras, Margarita Alberola Ferranti
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2016

Mecanismes moleculars implicats en la nefrotoxicitt per ciclosporina A (CsA): Estudi dels efectes de la CsA en les vies ERK i PI3K

PhD student: Eduard Sarro Tauler
Director/s:
University: Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2008

Blog

News

Dr. Conxita Jacobs' research has been awarded in the clinical project category, while Dr. Anna Meseguer's research has been recognised in the basic research category.

Over the course of two days, experts presented the latest advances in vectors, different gene modification techniques and their transfer to clinical practice.

The researcher of the Renal Pathophysiology group at VHIR investigates the role of ClC-5 protein in the development of this rare kidney disease.

Job offers

Senior Junior Researcher Renal Physiopathology Group
Start date:
16/11/2023
End date:
30/11/2023
Document: Download
Data Entry - Kidney Physiopathology Group.
Start date:
27/09/2022
End date:
11/10/2022
Document: Download
Postdoctoral researcher - The Renal Physiopathology Group
Start date:
17/06/2022
End date:
01/07/2022
Document: Download