Rajiv Kumar, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

Rajiv Kumar, M.D., studies the structure and function of hormones and signaling peptides and receptors. In addition, his laboratory is interested in understanding the cause and treatment of cancer cachexia and the structural biology of DNA polymerase that plays a role in the pathogenesis of cancer.

Focus areas

Research in Dr. Kumar's laboratory in the Nephrology and Hypertension research unit includes projects regarding:

• The regulation of serum and whole body phosphate by novel phosphate regulating hormones
• The mechanism of action 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in muscle, bone and the central nervous system
• The regulation of vascular remodeling in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) that are required for hemodialysis
• The treatment of vascular stenosis in AVFs with various novel chemical agents
• The pathogenesis of urinary stone disease focusing on defects in vitamin D metabolism
• The pathophysiology of skeletal muscle loss, cardiac abnormalities and bone loss in cancer cachexia
• The structural biology of DNA polymerase
• The physiology of clinical bone mineral in health and disease

Significance to patient care

Dr. Kumar's work is relevant to the pathogenesis and treatment of bone disease seen in patients with renal failure, osteoporosis and hypophosphatemia. He has carried out fundamental work on the mechanism of action of hormones regulating calcium metabolism and water balance. Dr. Kumar's research is also relevant to the causes and treatments of cancer cachexia. Finally, his work on the structural biology of the DNA polymerase is important in understanding the etiology and treatment of cancer.

Professional highlights

• John Phillips Memorial Award, American College of Physicians, 2012
• E.V. McCollum Award, American Society for Nutrition, 2010
• Louis V. Avioli Founders Award, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2008
• Master, American College of Physicians, 2005
• Member, Association of American Physicians, 1990
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1996
• Ruth and Vernon Taylor Professor, 1990
• Donald W. Seldin Young Investigator Award, American Society of Nephrology, 1989
• Fuller Albright Award, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 1988
• Member, American Society for Clinical Investigation, 1983
• Past member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the American Journal of Physiology, the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, and the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research