Todd Alexander

Biography

Division of Nephrology Departments of Pediatrics & Physiology Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry 4-585 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA) 11405-87 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9.

Research Interest

The focus of Dr. Alexander’s research is primary transport mechanisms by which the renal tubule regulates the body’s electrolyte and fluid balance. In particular he seeks to understand how altered tubular calcium transport leads to the development of osteoporosis and kidney stones and the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased renal sodium absorption which results in hypertension. More specifically, the lab is trying to identify the mechanisms both driving and permitting the paracellular flux of calcium between proximal tubular epithelia, the nephron segment recently identified to be defective in individuals with hypercalciuria, kidney stones and some individuals with osteoporosis. With respect to hypertension again the focus is the proximal nephron. However, in this instance a series of membrane protein-protein interactions are being analyzed to ascertain how the huge amount of salt (1.2 Kg per diem) and water (110L per diem) are absorbed in excess by this part of the kidney. The direct consequence of altered regulation in this process are volume expansion and increased blood pressure.