Alan Yu MB, B.Chair

Dr. Yu directs a laboratory-based research program that investigates renal tubule physiology and diseases. A current focus is on understanding paracellular epithelial transport and its regulation. Paracellular transport occurs through tight junctions and is mediated by a family of channels called claudins. The investigation of claudins promises to reveal novel fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of many diseases, including acute kidney injury, salt-sensitive hypertension and kidney stone disease. Dr. Yu also performs clinical research in polycystic kidney disease. He is particularly interested in translating bench research findings about cell signaling pathways into drugs and therapeutics, especially repurposed drugs, and testing them in early phase human trials.