University of Exeter Medical School

Maarten Koeners

Maarten Koeners

Senior Lecturer Medicine & Medical Sciences

 M.P.Koeners@exeter.ac.uk

 01392 72 6014

 Hatherly D3

 

Hatherly Building, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK

Overview

I’m trained as a biomedical researcher (experimental nephrology) and over the years I’ve become passionate about strengthening the link between learning and joy through play and compassion. See e.g. paper on the physiology of play, education incubator on the Playful University, last year’s Festival of Compassion, UoE Excellence in Education blog and recent BERA blog series and BERA podcast.

I integrate insights in the physiology of play and playful learning with my academic practice. The exciting next step I have taken is to establish the Playful University Club, and together with Adam Lusby the Playful Lab, to form global connections on the creation of holistic pedagogic practices for students, educators and innovators – enabling individual and institutional play and playfulness to foster a culture that supports joyous, authentic transition to the co-creation of knowledge and skills, while counteracting a number of barriers to innovation and wellbeing.

Qualifications

  • MSc (Utrecht, the Netherlands)
  • PhD (Utrecht, the Netherlands)
  • Advance HE Fellowship Certificate (FHEA, PR231770)

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Research

Research interests

My vision and innovative approach to learning and teaching is to strengthen the pedagogic link between joy and learning through play, compassion and connectivity. With this in mind I have established the Playful University Club through my Education Incubator Fellowship, which promotes higher education to be a place where learning is created and nurtured through joy, engagement, and play, and where learning to solve problems and overcome obstacles are rewards in their own right. By promoting playful and compassionate learning and teaching we can, I believe, address contemporary issues like fear of failing, avoidance of risk and mental ill health. My recent academic output includes attracting funding, designing courses, peer reviewed publications, research on impact, bespoke resources and workshops, including giving advice or consultancy about learning experiences and professional development. Furthermore, I am passionate to lead and create positive social change and belonging. My actions include co‑leading the Kinder Exeter Festival to promote and experience compassion through play and leading the Festival of Compassion. The latter includes a collaboration with inspirational people like Rev. Keith Magee (adviser to Obama and Biden on race) to address compassion and social justice.

Research projects

Previous research projects

  • Why does cigarette smoke promote kidney pathology?
  • Carotid Body-Renal Interactions in Renovascular Hypertension
  • Examining the role of intra-renal hypoxia in chronic kidney disease
  • Cardio renal paradigms elucidated through an international exchange scheme (www.bristol.ac.uk/carpediem)
  • The role of the glycocalyx in chronic kidney disease
  • Pre-clinical evaluation of novel sulfide-releasing drugs for the treatment of chronic or diabetic kidney disease

Research grants

  • 2021 Annual Alumni Fund
    ‘Compassion and Education’ and ‘Art of Compassion’ (PI)
  • 2021 Erasmus Plus
    Erasmus+ Community Engagement Grant: ‘Compassion through Play’ (CI)
  • 2020 Exeter Education Incubator
    Education Incubator Fellowship: ‘Playful University’ (PI).
  • 2020 Arts and Culture
    Arts and Culture Fellowship: ‘Lecture For Nobody’
  • 2020 Annual Alumni Fund
    Alumni Annual Fund: ‘Games Library’ (PI)
  • 2019 BHF Research Project
    Carotid Body-Renal Interactions in Renovascular Hypertension (PI; 2016-2019).
  • 2018 BHF Intermediate Research Fellowship
    Examining the role of intra-renal hypoxia in chronic kidney disease (PI; 2014-2018).
  • 2017 Austin Medical Research Foundation
    A breath of fresh air: measuring oxygen in diseased kidneys (PI; 2014-2017).
  • 2017 Marie Curie, IRSES
    Cardio Renal Paradigms ElucidateD through an International Exchange scheMe (CARPEDIEM) (CI; 2013-2017).
  • 2015 Royal Society Project Grant
    Prolonged recording of blood pressure and renal blood flow in a clinically relevant model of chronic kidney disease (PI).
  • 2014 Marie Curie, IOF
    Rechargeable Telemetry-Based Electrochemical Sensors: Kidney Oxygenation and health (ReTeBESKO) (PI; 2011-2014).
  • 2009 Innovative Pilot Research Grant, Dutch Diabetes Foundation
    Role of nNOS derived nitric oxide in the onset of hyperfiltration in diabetes (PI).

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Publications

Journal articles

Patinha D, Pijacka W, Paton JFR, Koeners MPM (In Press). Cooperative oxygen sensing by the kidney and carotid body in blood pressure control. Frontiers in Physiology
Vara D, Tarafdar A, Celikag M, Souto Patinha D, Gulacsy CE, Hounslea E, Warren Z, Ferreira B, Koeners MP, Caggiano L, et al (In Press). NADPH oxidase 1 is a novel pharmacological target for the development of an antiplatelet drug without bleeding side effects. The FASEB Journal
Meor Azlan NF, Koeners MP, Zhang J (2021). Regulatory control of the Na–Cl co-transporter NCC and its therapeutic potential for hypertension. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, 11(5), 1117-1128.
Koeners MP, Francis J (2020). The physiology of play: potential relevance for higher education. International Journal of Play, 9(1), 143-159. Abstract.
Koeners MPM, Adamovich Y, Ladeuix B, Sobel J, Manella G, Neufeld-Cohen A, Assadi MH, Golik M, Kuperman Y, Tarasiuk A, et al (2019). Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Rhythms Are Circadian Clock Controlled and Differentially Directed by Behavioral Signals. Cell Metabolism, 29
Ow CPC, Ngo JP, Ullah MM, Barsha G, Meex RC, Watt MJ, Hilliard LM, Koeners MP, Evans RG (2018). Absence of renal hypoxia in the subacute phase of severe renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, 315(5), F1358-F1369. Abstract.  Author URL.
Emans TW, Patinha D, Joles JA, Koeners MP, Janssen BJ, Krediet CTP (2018). Angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats is only transiently accompanied by lower renal oxygenation. Sci Rep, 8(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Palm F, Koeners MP (2018). Editorial: Hypoxia in Kidney Disease. FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY, 9  Author URL.
Emans TW, Janssen BJ, Pinkham MI, Ow CPC, Evans RG, Joles JA, Malpas SC, Krediet CTP, Koeners MP (2016). Exogenous and endogenous angiotensin-II decrease renal cortical oxygen tension in conscious rats by limiting renal blood flow. J Physiol, 594(21), 6287-6300. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Lewis KE, Ford AP, Paton JF (2016). Hypertension: a problem of organ blood flow supply-demand mismatch. Future Cardiol, 12(3), 339-349. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Wesseling S, Sánchez M, Braam B, Joles JA (2016). Perinatal Inhibition of NF-KappaB Has Long-Term Antihypertensive and Renoprotective Effects in Fawn-Hooded Hypertensive Rats. Am J Hypertens, 29(1), 123-131. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Ow CPC, Russell DM, Evans RG, Malpas SC (2016). Prolonged and Continuous Measurement of Kidney Oxygenation in Conscious Rats. Methods Mol Biol, 1397, 93-111. Abstract.  Author URL.
Gerritsen KGF, Bovenschen N, Nguyen TQ, Sprengers D, Koeners MP, van Koppen AN, Joles JA, Goldschmeding R, Kok RJ (2016). Rapid hepatic clearance of full length CCN-2/CTGF: a putative role for LRP1-mediated endocytosis. J Cell Commun Signal, 10(4), 295-303. Abstract.  Author URL.
Adamovich Y, Ladeuix B, Golik M, Koeners MP, Asher G (2016). Rhythmic Oxygen Levels Reset Circadian Clocks through HIF1α. CELL METABOLISM, 25(1), 93-101.
Emans TW, Koeners MP, Joles JA, Janssen BJ, Krediet CTP (2016). SP076RENAL OXYGENATION DURING CHRONIC ANGIOTENSIN II INFUSION IN CONCIOUS RATS. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 31(suppl_1), i111-i111.
Gerritsen KGF, Leeuwis JW, Koeners MP, Bakker SJL, van Oeveren W, Aten J, Tarnow L, Rossing P, Wetzels JFM, Joles JA, et al (2015). Elevated Urinary Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Diabetic Nephropathy is Caused by Local Production and Tubular Dysfunction. J Diabetes Res, 2015 Abstract.  Author URL.
Emans T, Koeners M, Joles J, Krediet CT, Debets J, Janssen B (2015). Telemetry‐based Recording of Renal Cortex Oxygenation During Endogenous RAS Activation: Preliminary Observations. The FASEB Journal, 29(S1).
Koeners MP, Braam B, Joles JA (2014). Blood pressure follows the kidney. Organogenesis, 4(3), 153-157.
Evans R, Ow C, Abdelkader A, Hilliard L, Malpas S, Koeners M (2014). Kidney oxygenation in the subacute phase of ischemia‐reperfusion injury (890.1). The FASEB Journal, 28(S1).
Papazova DA, van Koppen A, Koeners MP, Bleys RL, Verhaar MC, Joles JA (2014). Maintenance of hypertensive hemodynamics does not depend on ROS in established experimental chronic kidney disease. PLoS One, 9(2). Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Vink EE, Kuijper A, Gadellaa N, Rosenberger C, Mathia S, Van Den Meiracker AH, Garrelds IM, Blankestijn PJ, Joles JA, et al (2014). Stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1α ameliorates acute renal neurogenic hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 32(3), 587-597. Abstract.
Koeners MP, Vink EE, Kuijper A, Gadellaa N, Rosenberger C, Mathia S, van den Meiracker AH, Garrelds IM, Blankestijn PJ, Joles JA, et al (2014). Stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1α ameliorates acute renal neurogenic hypertension. J Hypertens, 32(3), 587-597. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners M, Emans T, Ow C, Evans R, Malpas S (2014). Telemetry‐based recording of renal cortical oxygenation in conscious rats with chronic kidney disease (890.4). The FASEB Journal, 28(S1).
Koeners MP, Ow CPC, Russell DM, Abdelkader A, Eppel GA, Ludbrook J, Malpas SC, Evans RG (2013). Telemetry-based oxygen sensor for continuous monitoring of kidney oxygenation in conscious rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, 304(12), F1471-F1480. Abstract.  Author URL.
Ow CPC, Koeners M, Abdelkader A, Evans RG, Russell DM, Malpas S (2012). 286 TELEMETRY-BASED OXYGEN SENSOR TO CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR KIDNEY OXYGENATION IN CONSCIOUS RATS; a NEW PLATFORM FOR EXPLORING DEVELOPMENT OF RENAL DISEASE. Journal of Hypertension, 30(&NA;).
Gerritsen KG, Abrahams AC, Peters HP, Nguyen TQ, Koeners MP, den Hoedt CH, Dendooven A, van den Dorpel MA, Blankestijn PJ, Wetzels JF, et al (2012). Effect of GFR on plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) concentrations. Am J Kidney Dis, 59(5), 619-627. Abstract.  Author URL.
Sima CA, Koeners MP, Joles JA, Braam B, Magil AB, Cupples WA (2012). Increased susceptibility to hypertensive renal disease in streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats is not modulated by salt intake. Diabetologia, 55(8), 2246-2255. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners M, Ow P, Abdelkader A, Verhaar MC, Evans RG, Russell DM, Joles JA, Malpas S (2012). Telemetry‐based oxygen sensor to continuously monitor kidney oxygenation in conscious rats. The FASEB Journal, 26(S1), 690.6-690.6.
Koeners M, Ow P, Abdelkader A, Papazova D, Verhaar MC, Evans RG, Russell DM, Joles JA, Malpas S (2012). Variation in kidney oxygenation: towards long‐term recording by telemetry. The FASEB Journal, 26(S1), 684.2-684.2.
Wesseling S, Essers PB, Koeners MP, Pereboom TC, Braam B, van Faassen EE, Macinnes AW, Joles JA (2011). Perinatal exogenous nitric oxide in fawn-hooded hypertensive rats reduces renal ribosomal biogenesis in early life. Front Genet, 2 Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Braam B, Joles JA (2011). Perinatal inhibition of NF-kappaB has long-term antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Hypertens, 29(6), 1160-1166. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wesseling S, Koeners MP, Joles JA (2011). Salt sensitivity of blood pressure: developmental and sex-related effects. Am J Clin Nutr, 94(6 Suppl), 1928S-1932S. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Wesseling S, Ulu A, Sepúlveda RL, Morisseau C, Braam B, Hammock BD, Joles JA (2011). Soluble epoxide hydrolase in the generation and maintenance of high blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 300(4), E691-E698. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Braam B, van der Giezen DM, Goldschmeding R, Joles JA (2010). Perinatal micronutrient supplements ameliorate hypertension and proteinuria in adult fawn-hooded hypertensive rats. Am J Hypertens, 23(7), 802-808. Abstract.  Author URL.
Gerritsen KG, Peters HP, Nguyen TQ, Koeners MP, Wetzels JF, Joles JA, Christensen EI, Verroust PJ, Li D, Oliver N, et al (2010). Renal proximal tubular dysfunction is a major determinant of urinary connective tissue growth factor excretion. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, 298(6), F1457-F1464. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wesseling S, Koeners MP, Kantouh F, Joles JA, Braam B (2009). Consequences of perinatal treatment with L-arginine and antioxidants for the renal transcriptome in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Pflugers Arch, 458(3), 513-524. Abstract.  Author URL.
Cupples W, Lau C, Obara R, Koeners M (2009). Reduction of heart rate, but not heart rate variability, in diabetic rats. The FASEB Journal, 23(S1), 1019.17-1019.17.
Wesseling S, Koeners MP, Joles JA (2009). Taurine: red bull or red herring?. Hypertension, 53(6), 909-911.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Braam B, van der Giezen DM, Goldschmeding R, Joles JA (2008). A perinatal nitric oxide donor increases renal vascular resistance and ameliorates hypertension and glomerular injury in adult fawn-hooded hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol, 294(6), R1847-R1855. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Braam B, Joles JA (2008). Blood pressure follows the kidney: Perinatal influences on hereditary hypertension. Organogenesis, 4(3), 153-157. Abstract.  Author URL.
van Faassen EE, Koeners MP, Joles JA, Vanin AF (2008). Detection of basal NO production in rat tissues using iron-dithiocarbamate complexes. Nitric Oxide, 18(4), 279-286. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Joles JA (2007). A fat chance of renal injury. Kidney Int, 72(3), 232-234. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, van Faassen EE, Wesseling S, de Sain-van der Velden M, Koomans HA, Braam B, Joles JA (2007). Maternal supplementation with citrulline increases renal nitric oxide in young spontaneously hypertensive rats and has long-term antihypertensive effects. Hypertension, 50(6), 1077-1084. Abstract.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Racasan S, Koomans HA, Joles JA, Braam B (2007). Nitric oxide, superoxide and renal blood flow autoregulation in SHR after perinatal L-arginine and antioxidants. ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, 190(4), 329-338.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Racasan S, Koomans HA, Joles JA, Braam B (2007). Nitric oxide, superoxide and renal blood flow autoregulation in SHR after perinatal L-arginine and antioxidants. Acta Physiol (Oxf), 190(4), 329-338. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hillebrand JJG, Koeners MP, de Rijke CE, Kas MJH, Adan RAH (2005). Leptin treatment in activity-based anorexia. Biol Psychiatry, 58(2), 165-171. Abstract.  Author URL.
Adan RAH, Hillebrand J, Van Elburg A, Koeners M, Van Engeland H, Kas MJH (2003). S.10.01 Animal models for eating disorders. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 13, s119-s120.

Conferences

Meor Azlan NF, Koeners MP, Zhang J (In Press). Regulatory control of the Na–Cl co-transporter NCC and its therapeutic potential for hypertension. Abstract.
Patinha D, Koeners M (2020). Renal blood flow and oxygen metabolism in renovascular hypertension.  Author URL.
Emans TW, Koeners MP, Joles JA, Janssen BJ, Krediet CTP (2016). RENAL OXYGENATION DURING CHRONIC ANGIOTENSIN II INFUSION IN CONCIOUS RATS.  Author URL.
Tomiak-Baquero AM, Lewis KE, Roloff E, Kasparov S, Koeners MP, Paton JFR (2016). Using Fiber-Optic Confocal Microscopy for <i>In Vivo</i> Imaging of Brain and Kidney Vasculature and Haemodynamics.  Author URL.
Koeners M, Lewis K, Paton J (2015). Telemetric Recording of Renal and Carotid Blood Flow Velocity and Arterial Blood Pressure Simultaneously in Rats.  Author URL.
Papazova DA, Friederich-Persson M, Koeners MP, Joles JA, Verhaar MC (2014). DONOR PRETREATMENT WITH MITOTEMPO DECREASES MITOCHONDRIAL UNCOUPLING AFTER EXPERIMENTAL RENAL TRANSPLANTATION.  Author URL.
Ow CPC, Tassone F, Koeners MP, Malpas SC, Evans RG (2014). KIDNEY OXYGENATION DURING ACUTE SALINE VOLUME LOADING IN UNANESTHETIZED RATS.  Author URL.
Emans TW, Ow CP, Joles JA, Evans RG, Malpas SC, Koeners MP (2014). TELEMETRY-BASED RECORDING OF RENAL CORTICAL OXYGENATION IN RESPONSE TO ANGIOTENSIN-II AND PHENYLEPHRINE IN THE CONSCIOUS RAT.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Ow CPC, Evans RG, Russell DM, Joles JA, Malpas S (2013). Telemetry-based oxygen sensor to continuously monitor renal cortical oxygenation in the conscious rat.  Author URL.
Wesseling SA, Essers PB, Koeners MP, Pereboom TC, Braam BA, MacInnes AW, Joles JA (2011). Perinatal Exogenous Nitric Oxide in Fawn-Hooded Hypertensive Rats That Persistently Lowers Blood Pressure in Adult Life Reduces Renal Ribosomal Biogenesis in Early Life.  Author URL.
Wesseling S, Koeners MP, Braam B, Joles JA (2009). High Salt Dissociates Blood Pressure from Renal Injury in Female Fawn-Hooded Hypertensive Rats with and Without Perinatal Molsidomine Treatment.  Author URL.
Wesseling S, Joles JA, Koeners MP, Koomans HA (2007). The renal transcriptome in spontaneously hypertensive rats from birth to old age: the search for transcription factor candidates for each phase of development.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Braam B, Koomans HA, Goldschmeding R, Joles JA (2006). Long-term effects of perinatal nitric oxide supplementation on blood pressure and glomerulosclerosis in fawn-hooded hypertensive rats.  Author URL.
Koeners MP, Braam B, Koomans HA, van der Giezen DM, Goldschmeding R, Joles JA (2006). Long-term effects on blood pressure and renal function in fawn-hooded hypertensive rats (FHH) after perinatal treatment supporting nitric oxide (NO) availability.  Author URL.
Racasan S, Koeners MP, Koomans HA, Joles JA, Braam B (2002). Perinatal treatment with antioxidants reduces blood pressure in adult SHR.  Author URL.

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External Engagement and Impact

Editorial responsibilities


Invited lectures


Media Coverage

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Teaching

Current TEACHING ACTIVITIES

Design and production board game ‘University World’ which aims, using situational dialogue and question prompts, to support students’ transition to university as they share, deliberate, and reflect on diverse university experiences through guided persona-based role-play.

Playful Lab, a weekly meeting that explores learning through the medium of play. It is an informal in-person open group formed from the wider Exeter community, students, and staff focussed on the practice (learning through doing) of games (physical, cognitive, computer, etc) storytelling, and a little magic.

Design and deliver for Medicine and Medical Sciences: lectures (live and pre-recorded), journal clubs, and workshops.

Design and deliver transdisciplinary: workshops on playful learning and teaching, (remote) connectivity, and playful champion’s programme.

Facilitator for Medicine and Medical Sciences: special study units, structured small group learning, and problem based learning groups.

Student supervision for Medicine and Medical Sciences: graduate, undergraduate: literature review research projects, and lab based research projects.

Student supervision transdisciplinary: employability placements.

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