Specialization

kidney disease, aging, senescence, metabolism, air pollution, exposome studies, developmental programming

Focus of research

With a strong background in renal aging and diseases, I study the metabolic changes and the impact of environmental toxins in these conditions.

My recent work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms of premature renal aging, particularly the role of senescent kidney epithelial cells. The accumulation of these cells is a critical risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease. I investigate NAD+ metabolism, complex lipid metabolism, and immunometabolism in senescent cells during aging and disease to discover new therapeutic strategies for healthy renal aging and to slow chronic kidney disease progression.

Additionally, I study how fine and ultrafine particles from air pollution contribute to premature renal aging from early life onwards.

My research utilizes patient-derived kidney tissue, animal models, in vitro models of senescence, senescence assays, metabolic assays, iPSCs-derived kidney organoids, exposome chambers, various omics techniques, and histology.