Development of Dipstick “Spot” Oxalate Test
Our lab has engineered an oxalate oxidase protein that can be expressed in tobacco leaves. Once purified, this enzyme can be used to measure spot urinary oxalate levels and give real-time oxalate feedback, similar to glucometers for diabetes.
Effect of Microbiome on Intestinal Calcium Transport
Our lab has developed the ability to differentially induce hypercalciuria using different oral antibiotics. We are currently investigating mechanisms behind this, including absorptive hypercalciuria and functional changes in the microbiome.
Randall’s Plaque Deposits on Renal Papilla
To better understand why these deposits form, Dr Paul R. Dominguez Gutierrez is characterizing the immune response in renal papillary tips and peripheral blood monocytes of calcium oxalate stone formers.
As no good models of human Randall Plaque exist, our team has partnered with Materials Science/Engineering to develop an in vitro model for studying the role of acidic proteins in Randall’s Plaque and stone formation in the setting of hyperoxaluria.
Training Program in Urologic Research
Our T32 program is only one of six in the country designed to educate/train surgeons and scientists to become successful, independently-funded investigators in benign urologic research.
Model of Gastric-Bypass Surgery
We are studying the effect of calcium and vitamin B6 supplementation on urinary oxalate levels in this established model.
With vitamin D standardized, we are examining the mechanisms of calcium malabsorption and bone loss to help guide therapies and supplementation protocols after patients, particularly women, have gastric bypass surgery.
Mechanisms of Abnormal Urine pH
Our lab has IRB approval to recruit 500 kidney stone formers to evaluate genes that may be responsible for abnormal control of urinary citrate and pH. Initial results in this area are very promising.
