Overview

Michael F. Romero, Ph.D., works with a high school student in his Transporter Biology and Physiology Lab at Mayo Clinic. Understanding ions and solutes

The Romero lab studies membrane transport of numerous ions and solutes, such as Na+, H+, HCO3-, Cl-, oxalate, sulfate and water, to gain a better understanding of the causes of kidney disease, ocular disease and related conditions.

The Transporter Biology and Physiology Laboratory led by Michael F. Romero, Ph.D., advances the scientific understanding of acute and chronic kidney disease and related conditions, including acidosis, hypertension, diabetes and polycystic kidney disease.

Research in our lab focuses on the movement and balance of ions and solutes across cell membranes in health and disease. Our team investigates the molecular and cellular physiology of normal ion and solute transport. We aim to pinpoint the physiological causes of kidney disease and related diseases and conditions, including those tied to variants, also known as mutations, in human genes. These membrane transporters are members of the solute carrier (SLC) superfamily of genes, which in humans consists of 76 families, about 500 genes and numerous isoforms of each gene:

  • SLC4 — HCO3- transporters coupled to Na+ and/or Cl-.
  • SLC26 — multianion exchange family transporting HCO3-, Cl-, oxalate and sulfate.

Channels studied include these epithelial channels:

  • Ano4, Ca2+ activated Cl- channel.
  • Aquaporins.
  • eNaC, epithelial Na+ channel.
  • Kir4.2, Kir1.1 (inward rectifying K+ channels).
  • SLC26A9, Cl- channel.

We functionally study the ions and solutes moved by individual proteins and how human variants change normal protein function. We also use preclinical imaging to determine how deletion of these proteins changes cell and tissue function in new animal models and following cell and tissue changes. To translate some of our work to help patients, we are developing new technologies that use the glomerular filtration rate to measure human kidney function.

Our lab investigates a variety of experimental approaches:

  • Molecular biology, such as cloning, mutagenesis, RNA expression and gene modification.
  • Electrophysiology, including Xenopus oocyte voltage clamping and ion selective electrodes, patch clamping, and Ussing chambers.
  • Fluorescence, including protein localization and genetically encoded sensors.
  • Preclinical models, such as drosophila, fish and mice.
  • Preclinical imaging, such as ultrasound and ocular imaging, including optical coherence tomography, angiography and electroretinography.

Our goal is to improve patient care by better understanding the underlying causes of kidney disease and ocular disease. We also seek to prevent metabolic stress that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Our team is developing new and better tools that use the glomerular filtration rate to clinically assess and remotely monitor kidney function.