Roman-UlrichMueller University of CologneGermany

Roman-Ulrich Müller is head of the Center for Polycystic and Genetic Kidney Disease at the University of Cologne and chair of the working group Genes & Kidney of the European Renal Association. As Professor of Translational Nephrology his research interests span from RNA biology in the basic research group to clinical trials translating the key findings. Regarding clinical research he has served as PI and investigator in a number of clinical trials including studies examining dietary interventions. ADPKD has been a specific focus of Dr. Müller’s work in the last years. In this context, his group has set up the AD(H)PKD study which is now one of the largest well-characterized cohorts of ADPKD patients (currently > 1400 patients). This study is not only the basis to a detailed prospective clinical characterization of patients presenting to the clinic but also accompany this approach with research endeavors focusing on novel imaging techniques, genetics and a broad bio-sampling to allow for the identification of novel biomarkers. One of the key points derived from Dr. Müller’s close interaction with patient advocacy groups is the fact that lifestyle (and esp. dietary interventions) that can modify the disease course are of major interest to both patients and treating physicians. Consequently, he has successfully established a translational pipeline for dietary interventions in ADPKD over the last years.