Research in the Liudmila Cebotaru Lab studies cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutants. We also investigate corrector molecules that are currently in clinical trials to get a better understanding of their mechanism of action. A major focus of our research is on developing more efficient gene therapy vectors with the ultimate goal of developing a gene therapy for cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Rabb’s lab is involved in translational research aimed at understanding the molecular pathogenesis of kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury. The lab is interested in the development of novel treatments for kidney IRI.

The Michael Klag Lab focuses on the epidemiology and prevention of kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Our research determined that the U.S. was experiencing an epidemic of end-stage kidney disease, pinpointed the incidence of kidney disease and published scholarship on risk factors for kidney disease such as race, diabetes and socioeconomic status. Our Precursors Study has shown that serum cholesterol measured at age 22 years is a predictor for midlife cardiovascular disease, a finding that has influenced policy about cholesterol screening in young adults. We also research health behaviors that lead to hypertension and study how differences in these behaviors affect urban and non-urban populations.

The Rakhi Naik Lab studies sickle cell disease. We focus on complications related to the disease, including chronic kidney disease and venous thromboembolism. By defining the risks and factors for diseases related to the sickle cell trait, we hope to improve genetic counseling and screening and treatment recommendations. Other research in the lab examines the epidemiology and unique mechanisms of thrombosis in patients with hemoglobin disorders. Specifically, we are trying to identify mechanisms of hypercoagulability and develop treatments for patients with hemoglobinopathies.

Dr. Sozio’s research focuses on 1) Clinical research related to chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease, and 2) Educational research in undergraduate and graduate medical education.

The Sozio lab pursues work related to stroke, cognitive impairment, manifestations of kidney disease, and systematic reviews on clinical topics, and collaborates on multiple projects with other key investigators. In particular, Dr. Sozio has been an active investigator in the Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for ESRD (CHOICE) Study, Predictors of Arrhythmic and Cardiovascular Risk in End Stage Renal Disease (PACE) Study, Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study, and work funded through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Center. In addition, the Sozio lab performs studies at the UME and GME levels, investing in understanding learners’ mentorship, research, and transitional experiences.

Research in the Sharon Turban Lab focuses on the effects of sodium and potassium on blood pressure and on kidney function. We lead the Chronic Kidney Disease-Potassium (CKD-K) clinical trial, funded by American Heart Association, which examines the benefits and safety of two levels of potassium intake in patients with kidney disease. Other research includes the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study, which aims to improve the understanding of chronic kidney disease and related cardiovascular illness.

Research in the Mark Sulkowski Lab focuses on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. We've conducted clinical research related to the management of viral hepatitis, including novel agents. Other studies focus on adult patients at the Johns Hopkins site of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group.

Dr. Parikh's research focuses on the translation and validation of novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute kidney injury. Progress in kidney diseases has been hamstrung by significant heterogeneity within the current disease definitions, which are largely based on serum creatinine. Dr. Parikh's research has addressed this critical challenge by developing biomarkers of renal tubular injury, repair, and inflammation to dissect this heterogeneity. He has assembled multicenter longitudinal prospective cohorts for translational research studies across several clinical settings of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease for the efficient translation of novel biomarkers.

His research is dedicated to the process of applying discoveries generated in the laboratory and in preclinical experiments, the development of clinical studies, and the design of clinical trials. Dr. Parikh's studies have refined the clinical definition in perioperative acute kidney injury and hepatorenal syndrome, developed strategies to reduce kidney discard in deceased donor transplantation, and advanced regulatory approvals of kidney injury biomarkers. He has also developed biomarkers to identify rapid progressors of early diabetic kidney disease before derangements in serum creatinine. Dr. Parikh's research goal is to translate our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms into clinical practice and improve the outcomes in patients with kidney disease.

Dr. Parikh has also been the recipient of numerous honors, including the 2017 Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Nephrology.