• Funding Alert!

    Dr. Adaku C. Ume awarded F30 Grant from the National Institutions of Health to investigate the underlying mechanisms of kidney fibrosis associated with calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.

  • Publication Featured on Journal Cover!

    Zinc Deficiency: A Potential Hidden Driver of the Detrimental Cycle of Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension

    Learn More

  • Funding Alert!

    Dr. Clintoria Williams awarded a R01 Grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate renoprotective properties of zinc supplementation in Chronic Kidney Disease.

  • Publication Featured on Journal Cover!

    Tacrolimus induces fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via a TGF-β-dependent mechanism to contribute to renal fibrosis

    Learn More
Kidney Pathophysiology Research Group

Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity

Calcineurin isoforms are promising targets for addressing kidney disease and hypertension caused by immunosuppressants. These inhibitors are vital in preventing organ transplant rejection, but they often lead to kidney damage and hypertension. Our research exploring how these inhibitors affect kidney function revealed that calcineurin has distinct isoforms, CnAα and CnAβ, with differing roles in kidney health. By understanding and selectively modulating these isoforms, our research advocates for the development of immunosuppressants that preserve kidney function. Notably, our groundbreaking work has earned recognition from the American Heart Association and National Institutions of Health.

Kidney Pathophysiology Research Group

Zinc Deficiency Nephropathy

Chronic Kidney Disease often coincides with zinc deficiency. Our recent review article highlights zinc deficiency as a hidden driver in the detrimental cycle of chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Further, our research provides evidence of the importance of zinc in blood pressure regulation, particularly through its influence on kidney function. These findings offer a novel approach to managing blood pressure. Notably, our work received recognition from the American Physiological Society and was featured in various news outlets and videos. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of our research earned awards from the American Society of Nephrology and the National Institutes of Health.

1 in 10
WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
up 90%
CKD PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION
9th
LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH

Uncovering mechanisms driving kidney pathogenesis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 103 million people worldwide, with significant links to heart disease and stroke, making it a top contributor to global mortality. Hypertension, a major risk factor, worsens CKD and often progresses to uncontrolled hypertension in up to 90% of patients with CKD, accelerating their health decline. This underscores the urgency for research into new approaches to lower blood pressure, slow CKD progression, and enhance patient well-being. Our pioneering research has revealed key cellular and molecular factors driving CKD in contexts of zinc deficiency and chronic calcineurin inhibitor treatment. These findings shed light on broader mechanisms behind kidney dysfunction, opening doors to innovative drug targets for kidney disease and hypertension treatment.

View All Publications

Zinc Deficiency: Potential Hidden Driver of the Detrimental Cycle of Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension

Ume AC, Wenegieme TY, Adesina S and Williams CR
Publisher's website

Tacrolimus Induces Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition via a TGFβ-Dependent Mechanism to Contribute to Renal Fibrosis

Ume AC, Wenegieme TY, Shelby JN, Paul-Onyia CDB, Waite AM, Susuki K, Bennett SE and Williams CR
Publisher's website

Principal Investigator

Dr. Clintoria R. Williams, PhD, FAHA

Read More

  1. 2011 - 2015

    Postdoc - Renal Pathophysiology

    Emory University

  2. 2009 - 2011

    Postdoc - Vascular Pathophysiology

    Emory University

  3. December 2008

    PhD - Cellular & Molecular Physiology

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

  4. June 2001

    BS - Biology

    Clark Atlanta University

Kidney Krew

Tara Y. Wenegieme

Dr. Adaku C. Ume

Aston M. Waite

Kelia E. McMichael

Hannah Barrett

Adaline Nshuti

Dr. Jananie Rockwood