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Washington University Medical School in St. Louis
Internal Medicine/Renal Division
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Renal Medicine
St. Louis
NIH training grant funded postdoctoral position is available to investigate inherited renal
diseases and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our laboratory is interested in
understanding the physiology of paracellular permeation of ions and solutes in the kidney. To
this end, we have studied three important genes: claudin-14, -16 and -19, all of which are
genetically mutated in human hypercalciuric syndrome and kidney stone diseases (J Clin Invest.
2008, 118:619-28; PNAS 2009, 106:15350-5; Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2010, 19:483-8;
EMBO J. 2012, 31:1999-2012). We have identified a novel pathway in the kidney that utilizes
claudin-4 and claudin-8 to transport Cl− and regulate blood pressure (PNAS, 2010, 107:18010-5;
Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2012 Jun 11 Epub). Using lentiviral transgensis, knockout and
knockin recombination techniques (PNAS 2009, 106:15350-5; JBC 2007, 282:17114-22), we
have generated a series of transgenic mouse lines: claudin-16 knockdown, claudin-19
knockdown, claudin-14 overexpression, claudin-4 knockout and claudin-8 knockout. Using a
number of genetic and biochemical analyses, we have revealed selective protein interaction of
claudin-16 with claudin-19 and claudin-14 and that this claudin interaction underpins the
pathogenesis of hypercalciuria (J Clin Invest. 2008, 118:619-28; EMBO J. 2012, 31:1999-2012).
We have uncovered a novel microRNA based mechanism for claudin gene regulation and
important for kidney stone pathogenesis (EMBO J. 2012, 31:1999-2012). Ongoing projects are
focused on (1) defining the heteromeric channel properties of claudin complex; (2) studying the
renal handling of electrolytes in claudin KO mice; (3) deciphering the signaling pathway of
CaSR-microRNA and its role in Ca++ related diseases. Our lab has established a number of
cutting-edge techniques, including gene regulation analyses, microRNA analyses, gene
targeting, germ-line lentiviral transgenesis, virus mediated gene transfer; and sophisticated
surgical methods for analyzing renal function. The renal division provides a highly interactive
multidisciplinary research environment focused on translating basic science discoveries to the
clinical therapies.
MD or PhD with strong backgrounds in (1) molecular biology, biochemistry and protein
interactions or (2) electrophysiology and animal physiology. US citizen or permanent resident.
NIH scales; NIH fellowship
C.V., research interest and 2-3 letters of support
Jianghui Hou, PhD
314-362-5685
314-362-8237
Campus Box 8126
660 South Euclid Avenue
Email address:
Link to Website:
Deadline for Application:
St. Louis, MO 63110
jhou@dom.wustl.edu
http://renal.wustl.edu/researchhtml
http://dbbs.wustl.edu/faculty/Pages/faculty_bio.aspx?SID=6248
11/30/2012