School of Biosciences

Prof Daniela Riccardi - PhD

Three are my main lines of research:

1. Molecular physiology of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor, CaR

2. Identification of biomarkers of nephrotoxicity

3. Molecular physiology of gas sensing (with Prof. PJ Kemp)

1. Molecular physiology of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor, CaR

Mammalian cells sense and respond to changes in the extracellular environment, particularly in variations of the levels of calcium ions, nutrient, salinity and pH. Crucial in this process is the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR). In my laboratory we are interested in understanding how the CaR integrates multiple signals (Figure 1), the transduction pathways downstream of receptor activation (Figure 2) and in the cellular and molecular targets involved in the homeostatic responses, with specific focus on the kidney, bone, the vasculature (Figure 3) and the developing lung (Figure 4).

2. Identification of biomarkers of nephrotoxicity

Without kidneys we cannot live and to date there is no pharmacological approach for the treatment of a failing kidney. In collaboration with UHW, Astra Zeneca and Leeds University, we are using a proteomics-based approach to develop non-invasive urinary biomarkers of early toxicity and to link these markers to the site within the kidney where toxicity begins.