Aline Martin, PhD, MS

Bridge Grant Pilot Program

Institution: Northwestern University

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

My lab investigates how altered mineral metabolism contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its cardiovascular and skeletal complications.

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

Our project aims to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of CKD-associated osteoporosis. With the help of the KidneyCure Bridge Grant Pilot Program, we will define the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of the phosphaturic hormone FGF23 on the skeleton. In CKD, the levels of FGF23 rise sharply, which helps failing kidneys excrete phosphate in the urine, but it also has several side effects. We found strong evidence that one of these side effects is to weaken bone, by reducing bone mass and quality.

What inspired you to focus your work in this area?

My training was originally in bone biology. The skeleton is a significant part of our endocrine system and the support structure of our entire body, and while fascinating, it is often overlooked. Therefore, much remains to be discovered to meet an important need for new therapies that will treat bone disease in CKD. Many colleagues and mentors inspired me to join the effort and helped me succeed on this path.

What impact do you hope your research will have on people with kidney diseases?

In CKD, mineral metabolism is so disrupted that the skeleton becomes extremely fragile. Osteoporosis in CKD can be life-threatening, but there is currently no treatment for it. By improving our understanding of the mechanisms responsible, our hope is to translate our research into new therapies that will strengthen bones in patients with CKD.

What has surprised you most about your career?

In retrospect, I simply followed the research where it led me. Starting out, I never expected to have the chance to travel so much, to settle in a new country, or to see my work become translational beyond the limits of bone biology. Building a career in the US and at a leading institution like Northwestern has been a learning and gratifying experience on many levels.

What are the major challenges facing nephrology research today?

Nowadays, attracting and retaining trainees in research is a major challenge in general, but even more so in nephrology than in other more popular specialties. There is a lot of amazing research happening in nephrology, the opportunity for ground-breaking discoveries is real and there are many talented and motivated students who are eager to succeed. With increased awareness and visibility, all these ingredients can solidify into exponential progress in the field.

In one sentence, please describe the importance of having grant funding available through KidneyCure.

Grant funding through KidneyCure ensures the continuity of research that would otherwise be challenged during key transitions, from promising junior investigators on their path to independence to established research pending federal support.

Something you may not know about me is…

I enjoy spending time outdoors and photographing wildlife. It rarely turns out perfectly, but with enough patience and focus, you can make interesting discoveries and capture the most rewarding moments – much like in research!

In my free time I like to…

Play the piano, travel, and spend time with my loved ones.