Prof John Cunningham

Early Training and Career

John Cunningham's initial education took place at Cambridge (pre-clinical) and Oxford (clinical) in the UK, followed by postgraduate training at The University of London and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA, under the mentorship of Drs. Louis V. Avioli and Eduardo Slatopolsky. He continues to be an active clinician, specializing in nephrology and internal medicine. Notably, he served as Physician to HM The Queen and was knighted for his services to The Royal Family in June 2014.

Academic Contributions

In his academic career, Professor Cunningham has made significant contributions to the field of nephrology. He has advanced the understanding of how acidosis affects the bioactivation of vitamin D and has detailed the hysteresis in the parathyroid response to calcium, demonstrating that parathyroid cells can detect both the direction of change and the absolute concentration of extracellular fluid calcium. His research programs have explored various topics, including:

• The regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and release by structurally modified vitamin D metabolites.
• The production and release of bone cytokines by osteoblast-like cells and their regulation by vitamin D metabolites.
• The presence and significance of the calcium-sensing receptor in bone cells.
• The impact of simulated uraemia on cytokine release by bone cells.
• The factors contributing to bone loss after renal transplantation and strategies for its prevention.
• The control of parathyroid function in vivo, including the roles of new vitamin D metabolites and calcimimetic agents.

Research and Lectures

Professor Cunningham's research has revealed that new, structurally modified vitamin D metabolites have distinct effects on parathyroid and bone cells. His team pioneered and published studies on the first effective prophylaxis against bone loss following transplantation. He frequently lectures both nationally and internationally on these and other subjects, and he serves on numerous international expert panels and working groups.

Leadership Roles

He is a founding Co-chairman of the Nephrology At The Limits conference series, organized under the auspices of University College London, The University of Cape Town, and The Lancet.

Professor Cunningham offers patients advanced care in chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. His pioneering work in vitamin D metabolite therapy and bone health management ensures personalized treatment plans, providing the highest standard of care for complex renal conditions