Wayne State University · PhysiologyKidney Transport and Protein Interaction Lab
Pablo A. Ortiz · Detroit, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Pablo A. Ortiz's lab at Wayne State University focuses on understanding how proteins interact with the kidney's sodium chloride transporter, NKCC2, which plays a key role in regulating salt balance and blood pressure. Their research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind sodium reabsorption and explores the functions of proteins ALMS1 and ACTN4 in relation to hypertension and renal health. By studying these interactions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into kidney function and related diseases.
NKCC2renal functionsalt transportALMS1ACTN4hypertensionendocytosiskidney diseaseprotein interactions
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the role of ALMS1 in regulating NKCC2 levels in the kidney.
AIM 02Explore the interaction between ALMS1 and ACTN4 and their collective impact on NaCl transport.
AIM 03Determine how alterations in ALMS1 and ACTN4 contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension.
AIM 04Analyze the mechanisms of NKCC2 endocytosis and its implications on renal physiology.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturetargeted proteomicsmass spectrometryWestern blotanimal modelsmicroscopydata analysis in Rbiotinylation techniquesgene knockout methodologies
Output against the department
Publications191top 36% of dept.102nd of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.4kbottom 28% of dept.207th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.