Christian Herzog has served as a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology since 2009. He earned a master of science degree in Biophysical Chemistry and a doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Vienna, Austria. He conducted postdoctoral training at UAMS in Gastroenterology and Pathology, and then joined Dr. Kaushal’s lab in Nephrology, where his main research focus was the role of meprin A in acute kidney injury (AKI). Important findings include in vivo activation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine pro-IL-1b by meprin A, and identification of ADAM10 as the major in vivoprotease responsible for meprin A shedding during AKI. His research on urinary excretion of the extracellular membrane component nidogen-1 by meprin A during the onset of AKI led to a UAMS CTSA fellowship. He also studied the effects of the anti-apoptotic agent zVAD-fmk on autophagy in kidney disease. He joined the lab of Dr. John M. Arthur, Division Director of Nephrology in 2016. Dr. Arthur’s research focus is diagnostic and predictive biomarkers. In collaboration with the Proteomics Core Facility at UAMS and the team of ARKANA-Labs in Little Rock, Dr. Herzog contributed to the discovery and description of biomarkers in membranous glomerular nephropathies. He has also contributed to a recent study involving 5 research teams, describing the development of autoantibodies after SARS-CoV2 infection. Since joining the Division of Nephrology, he has co-authored nineteen publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Academic Appointment
- Assistant Professor of Research
Education
- M.Sc: Biochemistry, University of Vienna, Austria
- Ph.D.: Biochemistry, University of Vienna, Austria
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Gastroenterology: UAMS
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Pathology, UAMS
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Nephrology, UAMS
Academic Interests
- Protein/enzyme biochemistry
Research Interests
- Biomarkers in Kidney diseases
- MeprinA
- Inflammation
- Renal Pathophysiology
Interests/Hobbies
- Hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching with my dear wife
- Exploring foreign countries and their cultures
What is Your Greatest Achievement?
Contributing to improvements in treatment of patients through basic and clinical research
What Do You Like About Nephrology?
As a biochemist, I am very impressed by the complex interplay of molecular systems present in the kidney. Clinicians and clinical researchers in Nephrology come from very diverse backgrounds. Interacting with them has been always stimulating, both personally and intellectually. The administrative team in our division is very supportive and has made our work much easier. I consider this engaging work environment a major contributing factor for fruitful collaborations of research teams within and outside of UAMS.
Why Little Rock?
After completing my doctorate degree in Vienna, Austria, I accepted a job offer at UAMS, and was taken by the openness and hospitality towards strangers here in Arkansas. UAMS has been a good place to do research. Little Rock offers plenty of outdoor activities within the city limits and beyond. This and the short commute adds to a pleasant work-life balance.