Joshua S. Carty, MD

2025 Ben J. Lipps Research Fellowship Award

Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Project Title: Dissecting Energy Metabolism in the Regulation of Water Homeostasis

How would you sum up your overall research focus in one sentence?

My research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction influences vasopressin signaling and water conservation in the distal nephron in disease states such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI).

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

We previously showed that disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in collecting duct epithelial cells impairs the kidney's ability to concentrate urine via AMPK dependent suppression of AQP2. We now have preliminary data that suggest that vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R)-mediated water reabsorption is associated with decreased AMPK phosphorylation. Thus, the work supported by this award will help determine if V2R mediated increase in water reabsorption requires AMPK inhibition and to investigate mechanisms of the V2R mediated inhibition of AMPK, which could lead to future therapeutics for NDI.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

I developed a love for renal physiology during medical school and residency training, with a specific interest in disorders of sodium and water homeostasis.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

The inability to concentrate urine due to altered signaling in the kidney is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Vasopressin is the primary hormonal regulator of water reabsorption in the kidney, and the hallmark of NDI is impaired vasopressin signaling. A deeper understanding of how mitochondrial dysfunction influences vasopressin signaling and water conservation in the distal nephron may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of NDI.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

My goal is to become an independently funded physician-scientist with a focus on water handling, the collecting duct, and renal tubular metabolism. I plan to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies that lead to therapies that improve the lives of our patients.

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

Take a chance on yourself, as the experience will only promote personal and professional growth

Something you may not know about me is…

I love to fish. I enjoy exploring the waterways in middle Tennessee looking for trophy trout and smallmouth bass.

In my free time I like to…

Watch sports and lift weights.