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Welcome to Staruschenko Lab

USF Hypertension and Kidney Center

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Research
Interests


Sodium reabsorption
Signaling mechanisms
Blood pressure


The overarching goal of Dr. Staruschenko’s laboratory is to contribute to understanding the role of the kidneys in blood pressure control and chronic kidney diseases (CKD), such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD).


Salt-induced hypertension and the associated renal and cardiovascular complications affect a large population and are major causes of CKD. Hypertension causes one-third of CKD cases, but the needs for its prevention and treatment are largely unmet. Specific mechanisms leading to a rise in blood pressure and CKD are poorly understood and appear to be of critical importance.


Current projects in the laboratory
  • Novel signaling mechanisms in the regulation of ENaC-mediated sodium reabsorption
  • Examining cellular signaling mechanisms that regulate membrane ion transport and cellular homeostasis in podocytes
  • Recent studies revealed profound effects of Na+-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
  • Staruschenko’s laboratory focused on metabolic changes during hypertension and kidney diseases.
  • Dr. Staruschenko’s laboratory has pioneered several innovative approaches.
Novel signaling mechanisms in the regulation of ENaC-mediated sodium reabsorption

Dr. Staruschenko’s laboratory has established and characterized several novel signaling mechanisms in the regulation of ENaC-mediated sodium reabsorption and some other ion channels, including Kir4.1/Kir5.1, in the distal nephron.

First, he was able to identify and directly prove that ENaC activity is inappropriately upregulated in the setting of salt-sensitive hypertension. A combination of electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, microscopy, and chronic studies in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro were used to provide mechanistic insights into how ion channels contribute to salt-induced hypertension in Dahl SS rats. Furthermore, his recent studies reveal the critical role of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heteromeric channel in the distal nephron. Several mechanisms modulating the activity of these channels were uncovered.

Effects of elevation of ANP and its deficiency on cardiorenal function
Kcnj16 knockout produces audiogenic seizures in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat
Essential role of Kir5.1 channels in renal salt handling and blood pressure control

Examining cellular signaling mechanisms that regulate membrane ion transport and cellular homeostasis in podocytes

Staruschenko’s laboratory focuses on the mechanisms involved in regulating TRPC channels by angiotensin II, ATP, and other signaling pathways.

Another critical area of research in the laboratory is examining cellular signaling mechanisms that regulate membrane ion transport and cellular homeostasis in podocytes.  Specifically, Staruschenko’s laboratory focuses on the mechanisms involved in regulating TRPC channels by angiotensin II, ATP, and other signaling pathways.  He has successfully extended the analysis of TRPC channels to freshly isolated glomeruli.  With the help of several innovative techniques developed in his laboratory, he and other members of his laboratory have described several unique mechanisms responsible for excessive calcium flux in podocytes, which causes the development of glomerular diseases.  As an example, his recent study revealed that renal purinergic signaling undergoes significant remodeling during pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes.  This allowed us to conclude that the transition in purinergic receptor composition from metabotropic to ionotropic may disrupt intracellular calcium homeostasis in podocytes resulting in their dysfunction and potentially further aggravating DKD progression.

Ion channels and channelopathies in glomeruli
Characterization of purinergic receptor 2 signaling in podocytes from diabetic kidneys
The small GTPase regulatory protein Rac1 drives podocyte injury independent of cationic channel protein TRPC5

Recent studies revealed profound effects of Na+-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Mechanisms playing a role in the control of kidney function and the role of this vital organ in the control of blood pressure and various chronic kidney diseases.

There are also several ongoing projects in the laboratory uncovering various mechanisms playing a role in the control of kidney function and the role of this vital organ in the control of blood pressure and various chronic kidney diseases.  For instance, recent studies revealed profound effects of Na+-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which have become the new mainstay of treatment for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. However, specific mechanisms of SGLT2i’s action are still a mystery.  Furthermore, the role of these inhibitors in non-diabetic settings is still unclear. In addition to the studies of SGLT2i, there are several other projects in the laboratory, focused on the role of opioid signaling, uric acid homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species, in kidney damage during the development of salt-induced hypertension.

SGLT2 inhibition effect on salt-induced hypertension, RAAS, and Na+ transport in Dahl SS rats
Role of opioid signaling in kidney damage during the development of salt-induced hypertension
NOX4-dependent regulation of ENaC in hypertension and diabetic kidney disease

Staruschenko’s laboratory focused on metabolic changes during hypertension and kidney diseases.

Staruschenko’s laboratory focused on metabolic changes during hypertension and kidney diseases.

Recent interest in Staruschenko’s laboratory focused on metabolic changes during hypertension and kidney diseases.  The kidneys are highly sensitive to metabolic changes.  Metabolic phenotyping uncovered a number of pathways associated with high blood pressure and kidney diseases, which sheds light on the complex pathophysiology of hypertension and associated kidney injury.  However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of dietary interventions on kidney function and associated changes in cellular metabolic intermediates remain incompletely understood.  Thus, in his recent study, he and his collaborators using multilayered omic approaches, provided an overview of hypertensive kidney damage and suggested that metabolic or dietary interventions could prevent and treat glomerular disease and hypertension-induced nephropathy.

Metabolic rewiring of the hypertensive kidney
Accelerated lysine metabolism conveys kidney protection in salt-sensitive hypertension

Dr. Staruschenko’s laboratory has pioneered several innovative approaches.

Dr. Staruschenko’s laboratory has pioneered several innovative approaches.

To a large degree, the history of renal and cardiovascular physiology advancement has been determined by developing the necessary methods and tools.  Dr. Staruschenko’s laboratory has pioneered several innovative approaches: single-channel analysis of ENaC in cystic epithelia and TRPC channels in podocytes of freshly isolated glomeruli, nitric oxide, and calcium imaging in cystic epithelia and isolated glomeruli, real-time electrochemical detection of endogenous substances, such as H2O2 and ATP in whole kidneys ex vivo and in vivo, and two-photon imaging of calcium flux and nitric oxide levels in isolated blood vessels.  Currently, his laboratory is one of only a few laboratories capable of directly recording ion channels in settings most resembling in vivo conditions: freshly isolated, split-opened collecting ducts, cysts, and isolated decapsulated glomeruli.  Importantly, Dr. Staruschenko makes every possible effort to disseminate his novel methodologies to the field at large to allow other researchers to take advantage of these approaches.  There are several methodological manuscripts published, which help others establish such techniques in their laboratories.

Scanning ion conductance microscopy of live human glomerulus
Vibrodissociation method for isolation of defined nephron segments from human and rodent kidneys
Use of Enzymatic Biosensors to Quantify Endogenous ATP or H2O2 in the Kidney
Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli
Two-photon Imaging of Intracellular Ca2+ Handling and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells of an Isolated Rat Aorta


Hypertension and the associated renal and cardiovascular complications affect a large population and are major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD).


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persons

In developed countries
suffer from kidney diseases
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of CKD

Caused by

Hypertension



Mission

The Staruschenko Labs mission is to progress the understanding of the specific pathways contributing to CKD and hypertension and finding potential treatments for these diseases.
Our members conduct diverse research programs that include bench and translational science addressing the medical needs and treatments related to hypertension and kidney disease.

Alexander Staruschenko, PhD Professor & Director
Current Funding


Team Members

Alexander Staruschenko

Ph.D., Professor & Director

My laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms controlling ion channels’ activity and electrolyte homeostasis, respectively, in the control of blood pressure and kidney diseases. I thoroughly enjoy this journey of discovery and mentoring and hope to enjoy it till retirement (if it ever happens)!

Vladislav Levchenko

BS – lab manager

As a lab manager, I’m involved in almost every aspect of the lab’s day-to-day operation being a master of almost all equipment and techniques. I try to resolve issues so everyone can focus on uninterrupted research. I am proficient in animal surgery, tissue culture, molecular biology, and more. On a personal side love road cycling, fishing, and fixing and rebuilding things.

Ruslan Bohovyk

Ph.D. – Postdoctoral Scholar

My main objective is to perform innovative and physiologically relevant research in the field of renal physiology. I have a particular interest in studying electrophysiology, renal physiology, and ion transport. By utilizing my electrophysiological skills, I aim to advance our knowledge of ion channels in the kidney and develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for kidney diseases.

Olha Kravtsova

Ph.D. – Postdoctoral Scholar

I am currently interested in determining the physiology of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition in salt-induced hypertension and mechanisms of lysine transport in the kidney and its role in hypertension and kidney injury. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, running and long walks with my cat, Loki.

Biyang (Belle) Xu

Ph.D. – Postdoctoral Scholar

My Research is focused on normal and pathophysiological regulation of the Kir5.1 channel in the kidney. I spend my free time reading, traveling and hiking.

Lashodya V. Dissanayake

MD Ph.D. – Postdoctoral Scholar

My research goal is to understand how uric acid homeostasis affects renal physiology and its dysregulation affects kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Studying kidneys has a personal meaning for me, as I am from Sri Lanka, an island with a higher prevalence of CKD of unknown etiology. When I am not thinking about the kidneys, I love baking and cooking foods that I can share with my lab mates.

Melissa Lowe

BSc. – Ph.D. Student

I am an international student from the Caribbean, with Dominican and Guyanese nationality. My overall research interest is in renal pathophysiology. Since joining the lab, I have been involved in the development of a project understanding the dietary effects on sexual dimorphism of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Apart from science, I have a passion for traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. I look forward to growing as a scientist and a fulfilling and inspiring Ph.D. journey with the Star Lab!

Steven Didik

Ph.D. Student

I am a PhD student here at the Morsani College of Medicine. My research interests include how opioids and cannabinoids affect the kidney, gene therapeutics and weight loss medicine. Outside of work you can find me playing soccer and swimming!

Brody Smith

M.D. Student

My name is Brody Smith and I am a medical student at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. My research interests involve salt sensitive hypertension and genetic disorders that impact metabolic pathways including carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2) deficiency. Using the Dahl-SS rat model I am working on characterizing the interaction between these two disorders and their contribution to blood pressure regulation and renal homeostasis. Outside of the lab, I am a pitcher for the USF Club Baseball team. I also enjoy golfing and lifting weights in my free time.

Vera Pasmanik

Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a Minor in Public Health. My research interest lies in the study of the physiological mechanisms related to uric acid homeostasis, along with RAAS dysregulation. I participate in the exploration of these topics to produce more effective treatment and prevention of CKD. Outside of the lab, I am a national competitive Figure Skater for the USF Figure Skating Team and a cat enthusiast.



News and Events

2024
News

Dr. Staruschenko was featured on USF Health News recently talking about the groundbreaking work on using Lysine, an amino acid to protect kidneys in hypertension.

Read more Watch the video
2024
News

Dr. Ruslan Bohovyk was awarded the American Heart Association postdoctoral Fellowship to study the role of protease-activated receptors in excessive calcium influx in podocytes.

All news

Life In and Out of the Lab

Recent publications

09/26/2024
PubMed PMID: 39341364
PubMed Central PMCID:
Xu B, Levchenko V, Zietara A, Fan S, Klemens CA, Staruschenko A. Role of Kir5.1 (Kcnj16) channels in regulating renal ammonia metabolism during metabolic acidosis in Dahl Salt-sensitive rats. Am J Pathol. 2024 Sep 26:S0002-9440(24)00360-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.09.005. Epub ahead of print.
09/12/2024
PubMed PMID: 39328933
PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11424968
Xu B, Dissanayake LV, Levchenko V, Zietara A, Kravtsova O, Staruschenko A. Deletion of Kcnj16 altered transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. iScience. 2024 Sep 12;27(10):110901. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110901.
09/12/2024
PubMed PMID: 39276935
PubMed Central PMCID:
Bohovyk R, Kravtsova O, Levchenko V, Klemens CA, Palygin O, Staruschenko A. Effects of zinc in podocytes and cortical collecting duct in vitro and Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats in vivo. J Biol Chem. 2024 Sep 12:107781. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107781. Epub ahead of print.
07/23/2024
PubMed PMID: 39043847
PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11266651
Thomas L, Dissanayake LV, Tahmasbi M, Staruschenko A, Al-Masri S, Dominguez Rieg JA, Rieg T. Vitamin D3 suppresses Npt2c abundance and differentially modulates phosphate and calcium homeostasis in Npt2a knockout mice. Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 23;14(1):16997. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-67839-4.
All Publications

Contact and Links

OFFICE ADDRESS:
University of South Florida  Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology 
560 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 
Phone: 813-396-0147 
E-mail: [email protected]
https://health.usf.edu/medicine/mpp/faculty/staruschenko
https://health.usf.edu/medicine/heart-institute/hypertension-kidney-center