Role of Renal Intercalated Cells in Alkali Sensing – Sense-pH

This project focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of blood pH, which is a fundamental homeostatic function of the human body, also called "systemic acid-base balance". Even small deviations from the blood's normal pH are life-threatening or even fatal. The kidneys play a pivotal role in systemic acid-base balance, particularly through specialized cells located in the collecting duct, called intercalated cells. Dysfunction of intercalated cells can result in critical conditions such as renal tubular acidosis or metabolic alkalosis. The project seeks to understand the intricate signaling pathways implicated in the kidney's response to variations in blood pH and electrolyte levels, with a particular emphasis on metabolic alkalosis (elevated blood pH).
The primary objective of the project is to characterize the intracellular mechanisms in intercalated cells that activate renal bicarbonate secretion during metabolic alkalosis. The investigation employs both in vitro and in vivo methodologies, utilizing for exemple, the generation of novel cellular models. This research will contribute substantially to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing acid-base balance by the kidney.