Dr. Nickerson’s research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling Na+ and K+ transport in the distal nephron. He uses electrophysiology, mouse model systems, and molecular biological techniques to study ion channel structure/function. His recent studies established that proteolytic cleavage of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) subunits is necessary for appropriate channel activation in vivo. His current project is aimed at exploring the role of BK channel accessory subunits in renal K+ secretion, as well as the cell-specific role of aldosterone signaling in the process.
- BS, Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, 2014
- PhD, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, West Virginia University, 2021
- Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Pittsburgh, 2021
Education & Training
Nickerson, AJ, Sheng, S, Cox, NA, Szekely, KG, Marciszyn, AL, Lam, T, Chen, J, Gingras, S, Kashlan, OB, Kirabo, A, Hughey, RP, Ray, EC, Kleyman, TR. Loss of the a subunit distal furin cleavage site blunts ENaC activation following Na+ restriction. Journal of Physiology. 2024; 602(17).: 4309-4326.
Wang, XP, Mutchler, SM, Carrisoza-Gáytan, R, Nickerson, AJ, Al-Bataineh, M, Vandevender, A, Morimoto, T, Srinivasan, P, Tan, RJ, Jurczak, MJ, Satlin, LM, Kashlan, OB. Epithelial Na+ Channel Activation after Bile Duct Ligation with Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2024
Ray, EC, Nickerson, AJ, Sheng, S, Carrisoza-Gaytan, R, Lam, T, Marciszyn, AL, Zhang, L, Jordahl, A, Bi, C, Winfrey, A, Kou, Z, Gingras, S, Kirabo, A, Satin, LM, Kleyman, TR. Influence of proteolytic cleavage of ENaC's ? subunit upon Na+ and K+ handling. American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology. 2024; 326(6): F1066-F1077.
Nickerson, AJ, Mutchler, SM, Sheng, S, Cox, NA, Ray, EC, Kashlan, OB, Carattino, MD, Marciszyn, AL, Winfrey, A, Gringras, S, Kirabo, A, Hughey, RP, Kleyman, TR. Mice lacking ?ENaC palmitoylation sites maintain benzamil-sensitive Na+ transport despite reduced channel activity. JCI Insight. 2023; 8(21): e172051.
- F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, NIDDK, 2023
