Dr. Atta and his research team explore the epidemiological and clinical interventions of a vari...ety of kidney diseases. Our goal is not only to advance the understanding of many kidney diseases but also to capitalize on novel discoveries of basic science to treat a wide range of rare and common kidney disorders.

• Multi-international observational study of a rare form of amyloid (LECT2 amyloid) to understand its natural history with the ultimate interest of treating this condition.


• Our group has launched a project investigating the impact of COVID19 on the kidney to identify risk factors influencing outcome across different clinical phenotypes


• In collaboration with the Division of Infectious Diseases and the School of Public Health, our research has focused on the epidemiology of HIV and kidney disease. We also study clinical markers and contributing factors in the progression of kidney disease, and the association between kidney disease and heart disease.


• Our research group is participating in a multicenter consortium serving as a clinical core site to study the pathogenesis of HIV-associated kidney disease by providing well-characterized clinical specimens and corresponding clinical and laboratory data.

The Post Lab is involved in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a collaborative s...tudy of the characteristics of subclinical cardiovascular disease (that is, disease detected non-invasively before it has produced clinical signs and symptoms) and the risk factors that predict progression to clinically overt cardiovascular disease or progression of the subclinical disease.

As MESA researchers, we study a diverse, population-based sample of 6,814 asymptomatic men and women aged 45-84. Approximately 38 percent of the recruited participants are white, 28 percent African-American, 22 percent Hispanic, and 12 percent Asian, predominantly of Chinese descent.

Participants were recruited from six field centers across the United States, including Johns Hopkins University. Each participant received an extensive physical exam to determine a number of conditions, including coronary calcification, ventricular mass and function, flow-mediated endothelial vasodilation, standard coronary risk factors, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial factors.

Selected repetition of subclinical disease measures and risk factors at follow-up visits have allowed study of the progression of disease. Participants are being followed for identification and characterization of cardiovascular disease events, including acute myocardial infarction and other forms of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and congestive heart failure; for cardiovascular disease interventions; and for mortality.

Wendy S. Post, MD, MS, is an associate faculty, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, and a professor of medicine. view more

The Rakhi Naik Lab studies sickle cell disease. We focus on complications related to the diseas...e, including chronic kidney disease and venous thromboembolism. By defining the risks and factors for diseases related to the sickle cell trait, we hope to improve genetic counseling and screening and treatment recommendations. Other research in the lab examines the epidemiology and unique mechanisms of thrombosis in patients with hemoglobin disorders. Specifically, we are trying to identify mechanisms of hypercoagulability and develop treatments for patients with hemoglobinopathies. view more

Research in the Richard Chaisson Lab primarily examines tuberculosis and HIV infection, with sp...ecific focus on global epidemiology, clinical trials, diagnostics and public health interventions. Our recent research has involved evaluating a molecular diagnostic test for tuberculosis in HIV patients; observing TB responses during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis; and examining antiretroviral therapy adherence, virologic and immunologic outcomes in adolescents compared with adults in Southern Africa. view more

Research interests in the Richard Moore Lab include clinical epidemiology, costs, cost-effectiv...eness and outcomes of HIV/AIDS. We recently examined whether the effect of delaying antiretroviral therapy initiation in HIV-positive adults is modified by age at entry into care. view more

The Robert Wise Lab conducts clinical trials to study chronic obstructive lung diseases (COPD).... We investigate inhaled corticosteroids in patients with mild to moderate COPD and the effectiveness of anti-inflammatories in allowing lung growth in mild to moderate asthmatic children. Our research includes exploring the efficacy of various treatments for asthmatic women who are pregnant and of lung-volume reduction surgery for emphysema patients. We also conduct studies of the clinical epidemiology, pathobiology and treatment of interstitial lung disease in patients with scleroderma. view more

The Sara Cosgrove Lab researches how infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria affect patie...nts. We are interested in the methods needed to make sure patients receive the best possible antibiotic treatment, including the development of tools and programs to promote the rational use of antimicrobials. We also study the epidemiology and management of S. aureus bacteremia. view more

Research in the William Checkley Lab explores the field of lung health, with an emphasis on the... epidemiology of obstructive lung diseases as well as acute lung injury and mechanical ventilation. We also explore the interactions between nutrition and infection, and the impact of environmental exposures to health. view more