Dr. James Scholey’s focuses on identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for the progression of chronic kidney disease with a special focus on diabetic nephropathy and the renin angiotensin system. They also work towards identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic kidney disease using animal and cell-based model systems.
Research in my laboratory at the University of Toronto is focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of diabetic nephropathy. In particular we study the role of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in diabetic nephropathy and the link between the RAS, obesity, and activation of NADPH oxidase.
We utilize transgenic mice in our approach and have combined whole animal studies with cell culture experiments to define cellular mechanisms of injury. We are currently studying mice with deletions in the genes for ACE2, p47, and adiponectin. Our laboratory also collaborates with investigators in the Human Physiology Laboratory at the University Health Network, Mount SinaiHospital, and the Hospital for Sick Children on studies of kidney function and urine proteomics in humans with diabetic nephropathy.