The Sheffield Kidney Institute has, over the years, established a strong track record in research on the mechanisms of progression of CKD and the associated kidney remodelling and scarring. This has consisted over the years of a number of themes including the identification of the role of growth factors in kidney scarring, defining the role of myofibroblasts in experimental and clinical scarring and more recently pioneering work on the role of enzymes in the processing of extracellular matrix and collagen during the course of CKD.

Ongoing research focuses on the impact of urinary proteins and albumin on the transformation of kidney epithelial cells into fibroblasts. The application of urinary proteomics to detect and monitor clinical outcomes in CKD. Finally, concerted efforts are underway, in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, to develop interventions based on the manipulation of renal extracellular matrix and aimed at preventing progressive kidney damage and scarring. This research is led by Professor Meguid El Nahas and Dr John Haylor (Senior Lecturer, Academic Nephrology Unit). Dr Arif Khwaja (Consultant Renal Physician and Honorary Senior Lecturer) is actively involved within that team on research relating to the role of intracellular signalling pathways in renal fibrogenesis. This research is currently focussed on targeting cyclin-dependent kinases and MEK kinases in vivo. Mr Badri Shrestha (Consultant Renal Surgeon and Honorary Senior Lecturer) has established a model of Chronic Allograft Nephropathy (CAN) and work is currently underway to establish the role of tissue transglutaminase in this model. For further information about experimental CKD research contact Professor Meguid El-Nahas  at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or Dr John Haylor at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Recent Publications:

  1. Inhibition of compensatory renal growth by the N-terminus of a sheep-derived peptide.
    Haylor JL, Parker E, Risbridger GP, Beale D, Brown BL, Dobson PR, Clarke IJ, Hart JE.
    Regul Pept. 2009 Jan 8;152(1-3):48-53.
  2. Establishment of a European Network for Urine and Kidney Proteomics.
    Vlahou A, Schanstra J, Frokiaer J, El Nahas M, Spasovski G, Mischak H, Domon B, Allmaier G, Bongcam-Rudloff E, Attwood T;
    European Kidney and Urine Proteomics Network. J Proteomics. 2008 Oct 7;71(4):490-2.
  3. Stem cell factor in a rat model of serum nephrotoxic nephritis.

    El Kossi MM, Haylor JL, Johnson TS, El Nahas AM.
    Nephron Exp Nephrol. 2008;108(1):e1-e10
  4. (-)-Epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG)-induced apoptosis in normal rat kidney interstitial fibroblast (NRK-49F) cells.
    Miyamoto Y, Sano M, Haylor JL, El Nahas AM.
    J Toxicol Sci. 2008 Aug;33(3):367-70.