THE DIMKE LABORATORY
THE DIMKE LABORATORY
How epithelial transport maintains mineral homeostasis
We investigate how the kidney and intestine sense and control calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Our work connects epithelial transport, tight-junction biology, and mineral sensing to kidney stone disease and disorders of mineral metabolism.
Mineral sensing
Calcium sensing receptor signaling and the renal response to changes in extracellular calcium.
Epithelial transport
Claudins, TRP channels, and transport pathways controlling calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.
Disease mechanisms
Kidney stones, inherited tubulopathies, and pathological mineralization.
Part of Epithelial Transport Section (ETS)
University of Southern Denmark
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Research
Areas of research
Interdiciplinary Research
Est. 2014
Research Focus
Mineral homeostasis depends on the coordinated transport of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate across epithelia in the kidney and intestine. We investigate the molecular mechanisms that control these processes, with particular emphasis on transcellular and paracellular transport and the signaling pathways that regulate them.
We study epithelial channels and transporters involved in mineral handling, including TRPV5 and TRPM6/7, as well as claudins that control paracellular ion transport. A particular focus is the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) and the signaling mechanisms through which it regulates renal calcium transport and contributes to kidney stone disease.
Methods and Techniques
We combine genetically modified animal models with physiological, molecular, biochemical, imaging, and histological approaches to study mineral transport from molecular mechanisms to whole-animal physiology.
Our work integrates studies of epithelial transport in the kidney and intestine with systemic mineral homeostasis, allowing us to determine how transport pathways, signaling mechanisms, and hormonal systems interact to maintain mineral balance and how disruption of these processes contributes to disease.
About
Henrik Dimke is Professor of Translational Kidney Physiology at the University of Southern Denmark. His research focuses on epithelial transport and the mechanisms controlling calcium, magnesium, and phosphate homeostasis. He trained in molecular biology at Aarhus University and obtained his PhD from Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. He has worked within the field of physiology for more than 20 years including nearly 7 years at leading international research laboratories. The Dimke laboratory is part of the Epithelial Transport Section at the Cardiovascular and Renal Research unit, situated in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark. Henrik Dimke is also anaffiliated Research Professor at the Department of Nephrology at the Odense University Hospital and Adjunct Professor in the Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Canada.
The Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit comprises approximately 60 scientific and technical staff and provides facilities for experimental physiology, molecular and cellular biology, imaging, and characterization of genetically modified animal models.
The Dimke laboratory is funded by the the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Independent Research Fund Denmark, and the Carlsberg Foundation.
Follow Henrik Dimke by connecting on linked-in
All Rights Reserved Mette Krull
People
The Dimke Group
The Dimke Group - Alumni
Education and positions
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Adjunct Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Alberta, Canada, 2026-present.
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Professor of Translational Kidney Physiology at the Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 2021-present.
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Affiliated Research Professor at the Department of Nephrology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, 2018-present.
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Assistant and Associate Professor at the Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 2014-2021.
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Postdoctoral appointment at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada in the lab of Professor Susan Quaggin, 2011-2013.
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Postdoctoral appointment at the Department of Physiology, Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Canada in the lab of Associate Professor Todd R. Alexander, 2011.
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PhD student at the Department of Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen. Supervised by Prof. R. Bindels and Prof. J. Hoenderop. Thesis title “Physiology of the distal convolution: convergence of electrolyte transport pathways”, 2006-2010.
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Research Assistant at the Water & Salt Research Centre, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, Denmark, 2006.
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Master of Science (Molecular biology) with the thesis title “The acute and chronic effects of growth hormone on renal regulation of electrolyte and water homeostasis in the rat”. Water & Salt Research Centre, Institute of Anatomy University of Aarhus, Denmark, 2003-2005.
Funds
The Dimke Lab is grateful for the continious support for our research
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Contact
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