Research Interests. Diabetes and hypertension are major causes of end-stage kidney disease. Dr Tesch’s research focuses on identifying the underlying mechanisms of inflammation and fibrosis that are involved in kidney and heart injury in patients with diabetes and hypertension. In particular, his work focuses on the role of macrophages, tubular cells, fibroblasts and cell signalling pathways in progressive tissue injury. His studies utilize a variety of experimental techniques to examine the molecular mechanisms of disease, including conditional gene deletion, pharmacological blockade of receptors or intracellular signalling kinases, combination therapies, and cell culture studies. He is also engaged in a collaboration to develop novel drug delivery systems to target specific cell types. His previous work has led to clinical trials using an inhibitor of either a chemokine receptor (CCR2) or a specific kinase (ASK1) to treat diabetic kidney disease. This has been achieved through collaborations with local and overseas researchers, and with a number of commercial companies.

Research opportunities. We have a variety of projects available for PhD students and post-doctoral scientists examining novel mechanisms of inflammation and fibrosis in kidney disease. Our lab has an active PhD student program with 4 current students at different stages of their studies.