The UAB Section of Mineral Metabolism is a multidisciplinary research program within the Division of Nephrology dedicated to advancing the understanding of mineral metabolism and its role in kidney disease and overall human health.
We bring together basic scientists, clinical investigators, and translational researchers to study the regulation of phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and iron metabolism, and how disruptions in these pathways contribute to kidney disease, aging, and dysfunction in other organ systems. Through collaborative research, innovative methodology, and shared scientific expertise, we aim to accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes.
What We Study
- The physiology underlying the regulation of minerals, including phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and iron
- The biology underlying the effects of these minerals on cells and tissues
- Pathologies caused by acute and chronic imbalance in these minerals
Our Focus
- Understanding how phosphate disorders influence kidney health and aging
- Investigating the pathologic effects of hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Exploring the protective role of magnesium in CKD
- Examining the relationship between phosphate and iron metabolism
- Identifying how iron metabolism becomes dysregulated in acute kidney injury (AKI) and CKD
Mission & Goals
- We aim to advance the science of mineral metabolism, identifying and addressing the major barriers in the field, and attracting investigators to build on and enhance our collective expertise.
- We provide a communication platform for investigators with interests in mineral metabolism.
- We work collaboratively to address important scientific questions in the field of mineral metabolism from multiple angles and with progressive depth, catalyzing the development of grant proposals and collaborations.
Our Team
We are an integrated, multidisciplinary team of investigators from across UAB and the Division of Nephrology, bringing together basic scientists, clinical researchers, and translational investigators with expertise spanning patient-oriented research, human physiology, clinical trials, epidemiology, informatics, statistics, molecular and cell biology, animal physiology, and computational biology. Our collaborative work extends beyond the kidney to explore the role of mineral metabolism in the heart, skeletal muscle, lungs, and other organ systems.
Faculty
Christian Faul, Ph.D.
Director of the Section of Mineral Metabolism
Associated Faculty
Tanecia Mitchell, Ph.D.
Kidney stone disease and inflammation
Stefanie Krick, M.D., Ph.D.
Mineral metabolism and lung disease
Matthew Alexander, Ph.D.
Mineral metabolism and skeletal muscle
Vinoy Thomas, Ph.D.
Mineral chemistry
Jin Chen, Ph.D.
Bioinformatics
Research Core Facilities
Our investigators leverage UAB's nationally recognized core facilities to access advanced technologies, specialized expertise, and collaborative resources that enhance the quality and impact of our research through Core Facilities. These shared facilities support innovative discoveries across basic, translational, and clinical science while helping accelerate research from the laboratory to patient care.
- High Resolution Imaging Facility (HRIF)
- Small Animal Imaging Shared Facility (SAIF)
- O'Brien Center for AKI Research
Contact
Christian Faul, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Cell Biology
Director of the Section of Mineral Metabolism
cfaul@uabmc.edu
Jonathan Dickson
Program Director
Division of Nephrology
jcdickson@uabmc.edu