Gilbert W. Moeckel, MD, PhD, FASN
Associate Professor of Pathology
Director of Renal Pathology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory

Dong Chen, MD
Associate Research Scientist

Dong is working on elucidating the mechanisms of hypertonicity-induced apoptosis. He is currently examining the mechanisms that lead to efflux of pro-apoptotic molecules from the mitochondrial inter-membrane space to the cytoplasm following exposure of cells to a hyperosmotic environment. He is further examining the signaling pathways involved in hypertonicity-induced activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.

Zhonghai Chen, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow

Zhonghai is examining the mechanisms of phosphate-induced AKI and how this contributes to progression of CKD. He is using in vivo animal models of CKD and hyperphosphatemia to investigate the role of phosphate in progression of renal fibrosis. Moreover, he is studying the role of phosphate on intracellular calcium signaling.