1
|
Zhang K, Zheng S, Wu J, He J, Ouyang Y, Ao C, Lang R, Jiang Y, Yang Y, Xiao H, Li Y, Li M, Wang H, Li C, Wu D. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes ameliorate renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23599. [PMID: 38572590 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302324r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. Currently, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of DN. Although several studies have reported the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that both human umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) and UC-MSC-derived exosomes (UC-MSC-exo) attenuate kidney damage, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced DN rats. Strikingly, the Hedgehog receptor, smoothened (SMO), was significantly upregulated in the kidney tissues of DN patients and rats, and positively correlated with EMT and renal fibrosis. UC-MSC and UC-MSC-exo treatment resulted in decrease of SMO expression. In vitro co-culture experiments revealed that UC-MSC-exo reduced EMT of tubular epithelial cells through inhibiting Hedgehog/SMO pathway. Collectively, UC-MSCs inhibit EMT and renal fibrosis by delivering exosomes and targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling, suggesting that UC-MSCs and their exosomes are novel anti-fibrotic therapeutics for treating DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Zheng
- R&D Center, Wuhan Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiasheng Wu
- The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Ouyang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunchun Ao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruibo Lang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijia Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Xiao
- School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mao Li
- School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changyong Li
- Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science & Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Dongcheng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- R&D Center, Wuhan Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China
- R&D Center, Guangzhou Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tian Y, Chen J, Huang W, Ren Q, Feng J, Liao J, Fu H, Zhou L, Liu Y. Myeloid-derived Wnts play an indispensible role in macrophage and fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2310-2322. [PMID: 38617540 PMCID: PMC11008274 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.94166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), which is associated with macrophage activation and polarization. However, the relative contribution of macrophage-derived Wnts in the evolution of CKD is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate a critical role of Wnts secreted by macrophages in regulating renal inflammation and fibrosis after various injuries. In mouse model of kidney fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), macrophages were activated and polarized to M1 and M2 subtypes, which coincided with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In vitro, multiple Wnts were induced in primary cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) after polarization. Conversely, Wnt proteins also stimulated the activation and polarization of BMDMs to M1 and M2 subtype. Blockade of Wnt secretion from macrophages in mice with myeloid-specific ablation of Wntless (Wls), a cargo receptor that is obligatory for Wnt trafficking and secretion, blunted macrophage infiltration and activation and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of Wnt secretion by macrophages also abolished β-catenin activation in tubular epithelium, repressed myofibroblast activation and reduced kidney fibrosis after either obstructive or ischemic injury. Furthermore, conditioned medium from Wls-deficient BMDMs exhibited less potency to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and activation, compared to the controls. These results underscore an indispensable role of macrophage-derived Wnts in promoting renal inflammation, fibroblasts activation and kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jiongcheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenshu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxia Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hu X, Gan L, Tang Z, Lin R, Liang Z, Li F, Zhu C, Han X, Zheng R, Shen J, Yu J, Luo N, Peng W, Tan J, Li X, Fan J, Wen Q, Wang X, Li J, Zheng X, Liu Q, Guo J, Shi G, Mao H, Chen W, Yin S, Zhou Y. A Natural Small Molecule Mitigates Kidney Fibrosis by Targeting Cdc42-mediated GSK-3β/β-catenin Signaling. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2307850. [PMID: 38240457 PMCID: PMC10987128 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is a common fate of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), eventually leading to renal dysfunction. Yet, no effective treatment for this pathological process has been achieved. During the bioassay-guided chemical investigation of the medicinal plant Wikstroemia chamaedaphne, a daphne diterpenoid, daphnepedunin A (DA), is characterized as a promising anti-renal fibrotic lead. DA shows significant anti-kidney fibrosis effects in cultured renal fibroblasts and unilateral ureteral obstructed mice, being more potent than the clinical trial drug pirfenidone. Leveraging the thermal proteome profiling strategy, cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) is identified as the direct target of DA. Mechanistically, DA targets to reduce Cdc42 activity and down-regulates its downstream phospho-protein kinase Cζ(p-PKCζ)/phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β), thereby promoting β-catenin Ser33/37/Thr41 phosphorylation and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis to block classical pro-fibrotic β-catenin signaling. These findings suggest that Cdc42 is a promising therapeutic target for kidney fibrosis, and highlight DA as a potent Cdc42 inhibitor for combating CKDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Hu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Lu Gan
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Ziwen Tang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Ruoni Lin
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Zhou Liang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Changjian Zhu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Ruilin Zheng
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jiani Shen
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Wenxing Peng
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jiaqing Tan
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jinjin Fan
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Qiong Wen
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xunhua Zheng
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jianping Guo
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Guo‐Ping Shi
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Haiping Mao
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Sheng Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee J, Lee J, Kim K, Lee J, Jung Y, Hyeon JS, Seo A, Jin W, Weon B, Shin N, Kim S, Lim CS, Kim YS, Lee JP, Hwang GS, Yang SH. Antibiotic-induced intestinal microbiota depletion can attenuate the acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition via NADPH oxidase 2 and trimethylamine-N-oxide inhibition. Kidney Int 2024:S0085-2538(24)00163-7. [PMID: 38431216 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota and their metabolites affect systemic inflammation and kidney disease outcomes. Here, we investigated the key metabolites associated with the acute kidney injury (AKI)-to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition and the effect of antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion (AIMD) on this transition. In 61 patients with AKI, 59 plasma metabolites were assessed to determine the risk of AKI-to-CKD transition. An AKI-to-CKD transition murine model was established four weeks after unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) to determine the effects of AIMD on the gut microbiome, metabolites, and pathological responses related to CKD transition. Human proximal tubular epithelial cells were challenged with CKD transition-related metabolites, and inhibitory effects of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) signals were tested. Based on clinical metabolomics, plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) was associated with a significantly increased risk for AKI-to-CKD transition [adjusted odds ratio 4.389 (95% confidence interval 1.106-17.416)]. In vivo, AIMD inhibited a unilateral IRI-induced increase in TMAO, along with a decrease in apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The expression of NOX2 and oxidative stress decreased after AIMD. In vitro, TMAO induced fibrosis with NOX2 activation and oxidative stress. NOX2 inhibition successfully attenuated apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis with suppression of G2/M arrest. NOX2 inhibition (in vivo) showed improvement in pathological changes with a decrease in oxidative stress without changes in TMAO levels. Thus, TMAO is a key metabolite associated with the AKI-to-CKD transition, and NOX2 activation was identified as a key regulator of TMAO-related AKI-to-CKD transition both in vivo and in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhaeng Lee
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuhong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngae Jung
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seong Hyeon
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Areum Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wencheng Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Weon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayeon Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejoong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Soo Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yon Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Geum-Sook Hwang
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Hee Yang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Erreger K, Cao S, Pan Y, Jiang M, Zhang MZ, Harris RC, Hamm HE. Role of protease-activated receptor 4 in mouse models of acute and chronic kidney injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F219-F226. [PMID: 38031732 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00162.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) is a G protein-coupled receptor activated by thrombin. In the platelet, response to thrombin PAR4 contributes to the predominant procoagulant microparticle formation, increased fibrin deposition, and initiation of platelet-stimulated inflammation. In addition, PAR4 is expressed in other cell types, including endothelial cells. Under inflammatory conditions, PAR4 is overexpressed via epigenetic demethylation of the PAR4 gene, F2RL3. PAR4 knockout (KO) studies have determined a role for PAR4 in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain, and PAR4 KO mice display normal cardiac function but present less myocyte death and cardiac dysfunction in response to acute myocardial infarction. Although PAR4 has been reported to be expressed within the kidney, the contribution of PAR4 to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well understood. Here we report that PAR4 KO mice are protected against kidney injury in two mouse models. First, PAR4 KO mice are protected against induction of markers of both fibrosis and inflammation in two different models of kidney injury: 1) 7 days following unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) and 2) an AKI-CKD model of ischemia-reperfusion followed by 8 days of contralateral nephrectomy. We further show that PAR4 expression in the kidney is low in the control mouse kidney but induced over time following UUO. PAR4 KO mice are protected against blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) kidney function pathologies in the AKI-CKD model. Following the AKI-CKD model, PAR4 is expressed in the collecting duct colocalizing with Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), but not in the proximal tubule with Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (LTL). Collectively, the results reported in this study implicate PAR4 as contributing to the pathology in mouse models of acute and chronic kidney injury.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The contribution of the thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well understood. Here we report that PAR4 expression is upregulated after kidney injury and PAR4 knockout (KO) mice are protected against fibrosis following kidney injury in two mouse models. First, PAR4 KO mice are protected against unilateral ureter obstruction. Second, PAR4 KO mice are protected against an AKI-CKD model of ischemia-reperfusion followed by contralateral nephrectomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Erreger
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Shirong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Mengdi Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Raymond C Harris
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Heidi E Hamm
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Patera F, Gatticchi L, Cellini B, Chiasserini D, Reboldi G. Kidney Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress: From Molecular Pathways to New Pharmacological Opportunities. Biomolecules 2024; 14:137. [PMID: 38275766 PMCID: PMC10813764 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis, diffused into the interstitium, vessels, and glomerulus, is the main pathologic feature associated with loss of renal function and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fibrosis may be triggered in kidney diseases by different genetic and molecular insults. However, several studies have shown that fibrosis can be linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in CKD. In this review, we will focus on three pathways that link oxidative stress and kidney fibrosis, namely: (i) hyperglycemia and mitochondrial energy imbalance, (ii) the mineralocorticoid signaling pathway, and (iii) the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. We selected these pathways because they are targeted by available medications capable of reducing kidney fibrosis, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and HIF-1alpha-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors. These drugs have shown a reduction in oxidative stress in the kidney and a reduced collagen deposition across different CKD subtypes. However, there is still a long and winding road to a clear understanding of the anti-fibrotic effects of these compounds in humans, due to the inherent practical and ethical difficulties in obtaining sequential kidney biopsies and the lack of specific fibrosis biomarkers measurable in easily accessible matrices like urine. In this narrative review, we will describe these three pathways, their interconnections, and their link to and activity in oxidative stress and kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Patera
- Division of Nephrology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Gatticchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.G.); (B.C.)
| | - Barbara Cellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.G.); (B.C.)
| | - Davide Chiasserini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.G.); (B.C.)
| | - Gianpaolo Reboldi
- Division of Nephrology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.G.); (B.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yamashita N, Kramann R. Mechanisms of kidney fibrosis and routes towards therapy. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:31-48. [PMID: 37775469 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the final common pathway of virtually all chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and is therefore considered to be a promising therapeutic target for these conditions. However, despite great progress in recent years, no targeted antifibrotic therapies for the kidney have been approved, likely because the complex mechanisms that initiate and drive fibrosis are not yet completely understood. Recent single-cell genomic approaches have allowed novel insights into kidney fibrosis mechanisms in mouse and human, particularly the heterogeneity and differentiation processes of myofibroblasts, the role of injured epithelial cells and immune cells, and their crosstalk mechanisms. In this review we summarize the key mechanisms that drive kidney fibrosis, including recent advances in understanding the mechanisms, as well as potential routes for developing novel targeted antifibrotic therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Yamashita
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang X, Li L, Tan H, Hong X, Yuan Q, Hou FF, Zhou L, Liu Y. Klotho-derived peptide 1 inhibits cellular senescence in the fibrotic kidney by restoring Klotho expression via posttranscriptional regulation. Theranostics 2024; 14:420-435. [PMID: 38164143 PMCID: PMC10750200 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Klotho deficiency is a common feature of premature aging and chronic kidney disease (CKD). As such, restoring Klotho expression could be a logic strategy for protecting against various nephropathies. In this study, we demonstrate that KP1, a Klotho-derived peptide, inhibits cellular senescence by restoring endogenous Klotho expression. Methods: The effects of KP1 on cellular senescence and Klotho expression were assessed in mouse models of CKD. RNA-sequencing was employed to identify the microRNA involved in regulating Klotho by KP1. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were used to assess the role of miR-223-3p and IncRNA-TUG1 in regulating Klotho and cellular senescence. Results: KP1 inhibited senescence markers p21, p16 and γ-H2AX in tubular epithelial cells of diseased kidneys, which was associated with its restoration of Klotho expression at the posttranscriptional level. Profiling of kidney microRNAs by RNA sequencing identified miR-223-3p that bound to Klotho mRNA and inhibited its protein expression. Overexpression of miR-223-3p inhibited Klotho and induced p21, p16 and γ-H2AX, which were negated by KP1. Conversely, inhibition of miR-223-3p restored Klotho expression, inhibited cellular senescence. Furthermore, miR-223-3p interacted with lncRNA-TUG1 and inhibited its expression. Knockdown of lncRNA-TUG1 increased miR-223-3p, aggravated Klotho loss and worsened cellular senescence, whereas KP1 mitigated all these changes. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that KP1 inhibits cellular senescence and induces Klotho expression via posttranscriptional regulation mediated by miR-223-3p and lncRNA-TUG1. By restoring endogenous Klotho, KP1 elicits a broad spectrum of protective actions and could serve as a promising therapeutic agent for fibrotic kidney disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huishi Tan
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Hong
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Yuan
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang L, He T, Yu Y. Uric acid promotes interleukin-17 expression to cause kidney injury. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23550. [PMID: 37815028 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Uric acid, an oxidation end-product of purine metabolism, is reportedly to be a risk factor for kidney injury. However, its underlying mechanism is still a mystery. This study aimed to reveal the detailed roles of uric acid in inducing kidney injury and the possible mechanisms. Injection of rats with uric acid significantly increased tubular injury score, and levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urine kidney injury molecule-1. Uric acid increased the expression of collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis result showed the IL-17 signaling pathway as the most significantly enriched pathway involved in hyperuricemia-related kidney injury. Long-term injection of uric acid induced significant production of IL-17 and recruitment of Th17 cells. Treating rats with the anti-IL-17 mAb attenuated uric acid-induced kidney injury, accompanied by the inactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In conclusion, uric acid was confirmed to be a risk factor for kidney injury via inducing IL-17 expression. Neutralization of IL-17 using the specific mAb relieved uric acid-induced kidney injury via inhibition of NF-κB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, PR China
| | - Tianwei He
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yanming Yu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang B, Yang LN, Yang LT, Liang Y, Guo F, Fu P, Ma L. Fisetin ameliorates fibrotic kidney disease in mice via inhibiting ACSL4-mediated tubular ferroptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:150-165. [PMID: 37696989 PMCID: PMC10770410 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, whereas no effective anti-fibrotic therapies exist. Recent evidence has shown that tubular ferroptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of CKD with persistent proinflammatory and profibrotic responses. We previously reported that natural flavonol fisetin alleviated septic acute kidney injury and protected against hyperuricemic nephropathy in mice. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of fisetin against fibrotic kidney disease and the underlying mechanisms. We established adenine diet-induced and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced CKD models in adult male mice. The two types of mice were administered fisetin (50 or 100 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 3 weeks or 7 days, respectively. At the end of the experiments, the mice were euthanized, and blood and kidneys were gathered for analyzes. We showed that fisetin administration significantly ameliorated tubular injury, inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the two types of CKD mice. In mouse renal tubular epithelial (TCMK-1) cells, treatment with fisetin (20 μM) significantly suppressed adenine- or TGF-β1-induced inflammatory responses and fibrogenesis, and improved cell viability. By quantitative real-time PCR analysis of ferroptosis-related genes, we demonstrated that fisetin treatment inhibited ferroptosis in the kidneys of CKD mice as well as in injured TCMK-1 cells, as evidenced by decreased ACSL4, COX2, and HMGB1, and increased GPX4. Fisetin treatment effectively restored ultrastructural abnormalities of mitochondrial morphology and restored the elevated iron, the reduced GSH and GSH/GSSG as well as the increased lipid peroxide MDA in the kidneys of CKD mice. Notably, abnormally high expression of the ferroptosis key marker ACSL4 was verified in the renal tubules of CKD patients (IgAN, MN, FSGS, LN, and DN) as well as adenine- or UUO-induced CKD mice, and in injured TCMK-1 cells. In adenine- and TGF-β1-treated TCMK-1 cells, ACSL4 knockdown inhibited tubular ferroptosis, while ACSL4 overexpression blocked the anti-ferroptotic effect of fisetin and reversed the cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects of fisetin. In summary, we reveal a novel aspect of the nephroprotective effect of fisetin, i.e. inhibiting ACSL4-mediated tubular ferroptosis against fibrotic kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li-Na Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Le-Tian Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Iheanacho MS, Kandel R, Roy P, Singh KP. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates arsenic-induced fibrogenic changes in human kidney epithelial cells through reversal of epigenetic aberrations and antioxidant activities. Biofactors 2023. [PMID: 38146662 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a pathogenic intermediate stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephrotoxicants including arsenic can cause kidney fibrosis through induction of oxidative stress and epigenetic aberrations. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, is known to have antioxidant and epigenetic modulation properties. Whether EGCG, through its antioxidant and epigenetic modulating activities, can attenuate fibrogenesis is not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether EGCG can attenuate arsenic-induced acute injury and long-term exposure associated fibrogenicity in kidney epithelial cells. To address this question, two human kidney epithelial cell lines Caki-1 and HK-2 exposed to arsenic for both acute and long-term durations were treated with EGCG. The protective effect of EGCG on arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and fibrogenicity were evaluated by measuring the cell growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, genes expression, and epigenetic changes in histone marks. Results revealed that EGCG has a protective effect in arsenic-induced acute cytotoxicity in these cells. EGCG scavenges the increased levels of ROS in arsenic exposed cells. Aberrant expression of fibrogenic genes in arsenic exposed cells were restored by EGCG. Abrogation of arsenic-induced fibrogenic changes was also associated with EGCG-mediated restoration of arsenic-induced aberrant expression of epigenetic regulatory proteins and histone marks. Novel findings of this study suggest that EGCG, through its antioxidant and epigenetic modulation capacities, has protective effects against arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and fibrogenic changes in kidney epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sonia Iheanacho
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Ramji Kandel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Priti Roy
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kamaleshwar P Singh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schiano G, Lake J, Mariniello M, Schaeffer C, Harvent M, Rampoldi L, Olinger E, Devuyst O. Allelic effects on uromodulin aggregates drive autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e18242. [PMID: 37885358 PMCID: PMC10701617 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202318242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in the uromodulin (UMOD) gene cause autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD), one of the most common monogenic kidney diseases. The unknown impact of the allelic and gene dosage effects and fate of mutant uromodulin leaves open the gap between postulated gain-of-function mutations, end-organ damage and disease progression in ADTKD. Based on two prevalent missense UMOD mutations with divergent disease progression, we generated UmodC171Y and UmodR186S knock-in mice that showed strong allelic and gene dosage effects on uromodulin aggregates and activation of ER stress and unfolded protein and immune responses, leading to variable kidney damage. Deletion of the wild-type Umod allele in heterozygous UmodR186S mice increased the formation of uromodulin aggregates and ER stress. Studies in kidney tubular cells confirmed differences in uromodulin aggregates, with activation of mutation-specific quality control and clearance mechanisms. Enhancement of autophagy by starvation and mTORC1 inhibition decreased uromodulin aggregates. These studies substantiate the role of toxic aggregates as driving progression of ADTKD-UMOD, relevant for therapeutic strategies to improve clearance of mutant uromodulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Schiano
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jennifer Lake
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Marta Mariniello
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Céline Schaeffer
- Molecular Genetics of Renal Disorders, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Marianne Harvent
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et CliniqueUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Luca Rampoldi
- Molecular Genetics of Renal Disorders, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Eric Olinger
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Translational and Clinical Research InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Center for Human GeneticsCliniques Universitaires Saint‐Luc, UCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et CliniqueUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Muramatsu H, Akimoto N, Yajima K, Hashimoto M, Katakura M. Suppressing Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Containing Diets on Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats. Kidney360 2023; 4:1690-1701. [PMID: 37222582 PMCID: PMC10758513 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Key Points Increased albuminuria on 5/6 nephrectomized rats, as reported earlier, is attenuated by arachidonic acid–containing and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)–containing diets. This study established that DHA affects both oxidative stress and fibrosis in the kidney. DHA suppressed the oxidative stress and fibrosis, hence suppressing the progression of renal failure. Background Urinary albumin excretion gradually increases after nephrectomy, which eventually progresses toward renal failure. Our previous study had reported that arachidonic acid (ARA)–containing or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)–containing diet attenuates the increasing urinary albumin excretion. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ARA-containing or/and DHA-containing diets on oxidative stress and fibrosis that cause kidney injury in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, ARA group, DHA group, and ARA+DHA group. Rats underwent 5/6 kidney removal and were fed ARA-containing or/and DHA-containing diet each five groups continuously for 4 weeks. We collected urine, plasma, and kidney samples 4 weeks after surgery and investigated the effects of ARA-containing and DHA-containing diets on oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the kidney. Results Urinary albumin excretion, indoxyl sulfate, reactive oxygen species, TNF-α levels, and fibrosis in the kidney were all increased on nephrectomy; however, they were attenuated after feeding the rats with DHA-containing diet. Conclusion One possible mechanism of preventing chronic renal failure would be the suppression of indoxyl sulfate accumulation, oxidative stress, and kidney fibrosis arising due to nephrectomy. The results collectively suggested that DHA-containing diets can suppress the progression of renal failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Muramatsu
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Japan
| | - Naoe Akimoto
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Yajima
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Japan
| | | | - Masanori Katakura
- Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
He M, Liu Z, Li L, Liu Y. Cell-cell communication in kidney fibrosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023:gfad257. [PMID: 38040652 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is a common outcome of a wide variety of chronic kidney diseases, in which virtually all kinds of renal resident and infiltrating cells are involved. As such, well-orchestrated intercellular communication is of vital importance in coordinating complex actions during renal fibrogenesis. Cell-cell communication in multicellular organisms is traditionally assumed to be mediated by direct cell contact or soluble factors, including growth factors, cytokines and chemokines, through autocrine, paracrine, endocrine and juxtacrine signaling mechanisms. Growing evidence also demonstrates that extracellular vesicles, naturally released lipid bilayer-encircled particles from almost all types of cells, can act as a vehicle to transfer a diverse array of biomolecules including proteins, mRNA, miRNA and lipids to mediate cell-cell communication. We recently described a new mode of intercellular communication via building a special extracellular niche by insoluble matricellular proteins. Kidney cells, upon injury, produce and secrete different matricellular proteins, which incorporate into local extracellular matrix network, and regulate the behavior, trajectory and fate of neighboring cells in a spatially confined fashion. This extracellular niche-mediated cell-cell communication is unique in that it restrains the crosstalk between cells within a particular locality. Detailed delineation of this unique manner of intercellular communication will help to elucidate the mechanism of kidney fibrosis and could offer novel insights in developing therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meizhi He
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
As a sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, renal fibrosis is an irreversible and alarming pathological change. The accurate diagnosis of renal fibrosis depends on the widely used renal biopsy, but this diagnostic modality is invasive and can easily lead to sampling error. With the development of imaging techniques, an increasing number of noninvasive imaging techniques, such as multipara meter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound elastography, have gained attention in assessing kidney fibrosis. Depending on their ability to detect changes in tissue stiffness and diffusion of water molecules, ultrasound elastography and some MRI techniques can indirectly assess the degree of fibrosis. The worsening of renal tissue oxygenation and perfusion measured by blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI and arterial spin labeling MRI separately is also an indirect reflection of renal fibrosis. Objective and quantitative indices of fibrosis may be available in the future by using novel techniques, such as photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence microscopy. However, these imaging techniques are susceptible to interference or may not be convenient. Due to the lack of sufficient specificity and sensitivity, these imaging techniques are neither widely accepted nor proposed by clinicians. These obstructions must be overcome by conducting technology research and more prospective studies. In this review, we emphasize the recent advancement of these noninvasive imaging techniques and provide clinicians a continuously updated perspective on the assessment of kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buchun Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haidong Fu
- Department of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China,CONTACT Haidong Fu
| | - Jianhua Mao
- Department of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China,Jianhua Mao The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, 3333 Bingsheng Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310052, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mehjabin A, Kabir M, Micolucci L, Akhtar MM, Mollah AKMM, Islam MS. MicroRNA in Fibrotic Disorders: A Potential Target for Future Therapeutics. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2023; 28:317. [PMID: 38062842 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2811317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic disorders are defined by accumulating excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components, especially collagens, in various organs, leading to tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. These conditions are associated with significant challenges in the healthcare system because of their progressive nature and limited treatment options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules (approximately 22 nucleotides) that modulate gene expression by selectively targeting mRNAs for degradation or translational repression. MiRNAs have recently been identified as potential targets for therapeutic developments in fibrotic disorders. They play vital roles in inducing fibrotic phenotype by regulating fibroblast activation and ECM remodeling. Multiple strategies for targeting specific miRNAs in fibrotic disorders have been explored, including antisense oligonucleotides, small molecule modulators, and natural compounds. This review discussed the role of miRNAs in different fibrotic disorders, including cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, lung fibrosis, dermal fibrosis, and primary myelofibrosis, with recent advances in developing miRNA-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aanushka Mehjabin
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, 4000 Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Maliha Kabir
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, 4000 Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Luigina Micolucci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Most Mauluda Akhtar
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, 4000 Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Soriful Islam
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Melander SA, Møller AL, Mohamed KE, Rasmussen DGK, Genovese F, Karsdal MA, Henriksen K, Larsen AT. Dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist treatment reduces biomarkers associated with kidney fibrosis in diabetic rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 325:E529-E539. [PMID: 37792041 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00245.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRAs) are effective treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). They provide beneficial effects on body weight, glucose control, and insulin action. However, whether DACRAs protect against diabetes-related kidney damage remains unknown. We characterize the potential of long-acting DACRAs (KBP-A, Key Bioscience Peptide-A) as a treatment for T2D-related pathological alterations of the kidney extracellular matrix (ECM) in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF). We examined levels of endotrophin (profibrotic signaling molecule reflecting collagen type VI formation) and tumstatin (matrikine derived from collagen type IVα3) in serum and evaluated kidney morphology and collagen deposition in the kidneys. We included a study in obese Sprague-Dawley rats to further investigate the impact of KBP-A on ECM biomarkers. In ZDF vehicles, levels of endotrophin and tumstatin increased, suggesting disease progression along with an increase in blood glucose levels. These rats also displayed damage to their kidneys, which was evident from the presence of collagen formation in the medullary region of the kidney. Interestingly, KBP-A treatment attenuated these increases, resulting in significantly lower levels of endotrophin and tumstatin than the vehicle. Levels of endotrophin and tumstatin were unchanged in obese Sprague-Dawley rats, supporting the relation to diabetes-related kidney complications. Furthermore, KBP-A treatment normalized collagen deposition in the kidney while improving glucose control. These studies confirm the beneficial effects of DACRAs on biomarkers associated with kidney fibrosis. Moreover, these antifibrotic effects are likely associated with improved glucose control, highlighting KBP-A as a promising treatment of T2D and its related late complications.NEW & NOTEWORTHY These studies describe the beneficial effects of using a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) for diabetes-related kidney complications. DACRA treatment reduced levels of serological biomarkers associated with kidney fibrosis. These reductions were further reflected by reduced collagen expression in diabetic kidneys. In general, these results validate the use of serological biomarkers while demonstrating the potential effect of DACRAs in treating diabetes-related long-term complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Anna Melander
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Louise Møller
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Kim Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark
- KeyBioscience AG, Stans, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim J, Lee J, Yoon D, Son M, Kim MJ, Ha S, Kim D, Yoo JA, Kim D, Chung HY, Moon HR, Chung KW. Thiobarbiturate-Derived Compound MHY1025 Alleviates Renal Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Epithelial Inflammation, and Fibroblast Activation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1947. [PMID: 38001800 PMCID: PMC10669799 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a kidney structure and function abnormality. CKD development and progression are strongly influenced by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which can lead to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Unfortunately, there are no effective or specific treatments for CKD. We investigated the potential of the thiobarbiturate-derived compound MHY1025 to alleviate CKD by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. In vitro experiments using NRK52E renal tubular epithelial cells revealed that MHY1025 significantly reduced LPS-induced oxidative stress and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway, which is involved in inflammatory responses. Furthermore, treatment with MHY1025 significantly suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related genes and proteins induced by TGFβ in NRK49F fibroblasts. Furthermore, we analyzed the MHY1025 effects in vivo. To induce kidney fibrosis, mice were administered 250 mg/kg folic acid (FA) and orally treated with MHY1025 (0.5 mg/kg/day) for one week. MHY1025 effectively decreased the FA-induced inflammatory response in the kidneys. The group treated with MHY1025 exhibited a significant reduction in cytokine and chemokine expression and decreased immune cell marker expression. Decreased inflammatory response was associated with decreased tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Overall, MHY1025 alleviated renal fibrosis by directly modulating renal epithelial inflammation and fibroblast activation, suggesting that MHY1025 has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeongwon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Jieun Lee
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dahye Yoon
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Minjung Son
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Mi-Jeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Sugyeong Ha
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Doyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Ji-an Yoo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Donghwan Kim
- Functional Food Materials Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Hyung Ryong Moon
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Ki Wung Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (M.S.); (M.-J.K.); (S.H.); (D.K.); (J.-a.Y.); (H.Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Manzéger A, Garmaa G, Mózes MM, Hansmann G, Kökény G. Pioglitazone Protects Tubular Epithelial Cells during Kidney Fibrosis by Attenuating miRNA Dysregulation and Autophagy Dysfunction Induced by TGF-β. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15520. [PMID: 37958504 PMCID: PMC10649561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive renal TGF-β production and pro-fibrotic miRNAs are important drivers of kidney fibrosis that lack any efficient treatment. Dysfunctional autophagy might play an important role in the pathogenesis. We aimed to study the yet unknown effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist pioglitazone (Pio) on renal autophagy and miRNA dysregulation during fibrosis. Mouse primary tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) were isolated, pre-treated with 5 µM pioglitazone, and then stimulated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 for 24 h. Male 10-week-old C57Bl6 control (CTL) and TGF-β overexpressing mice were fed with regular chow (TGF) or Pio-containing chow (20 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks (TGF + Pio). PTEC and kidneys were evaluated for mRNA and protein expression. In PTEC, pioglitazone attenuated (p < 0.05) the TGF-β-induced up-regulation of Col1a1 (1.4-fold), Tgfb1 (2.2-fold), Ctgf (1.5-fold), Egr2 (2.5-fold) mRNAs, miR-130a (1.6-fold), and miR-199a (1.5-fold), inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and rescued autophagy function. In TGF mice, pioglitazone greatly improved kidney fibrosis and related dysfunctional autophagy (increased LC3-II/I ratio and reduced SQSTM1 protein content (p < 0.05)). These were accompanied by 5-fold, 3-fold, 12-fold, and 2-fold suppression (p < 0.05) of renal Ccl2, Il6, C3, and Lgals3 mRNA expression, respectively. Our results implicate that pioglitazone counteracts multiple pro-fibrotic processes in the kidney, including autophagy dysfunction and miRNA dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Manzéger
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.); (G.G.); (M.M.M.)
- International Nephrology Research and Training Center, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gantsetseg Garmaa
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.); (G.G.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Miklós M. Mózes
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.); (G.G.); (M.M.M.)
- International Nephrology Research and Training Center, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Georg Hansmann
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Critical Care, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Gábor Kökény
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.M.); (G.G.); (M.M.M.)
- International Nephrology Research and Training Center, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yuan C, Jin G, Li P, Wang W, Ge C, Pan Y, Zhang Q, Mo J, Kuang D, Liu L, Zhang X, Liang H, Zhang W, Tang X, Li Z, Liu J, Xu G, Chen X, Ding ZY, Zhang B. Tubular cell transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ deficiency exacerbates kidney injury-induced tubular cell polyploidy and fibrosis. Kidney Int 2023; 104:769-786. [PMID: 37482091 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is considered the final convergent pathway of progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD) regardless of etiology. However, mechanisms underlying kidney injury-induced fibrosis largely remain unknown. Recent studies have indicated that transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ) inhibits the progression of fibrosis in other organs. Here, we found that TIF1γ was highly expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the kidney proximal tubule. Interestingly, we found tubular TIF1γ expression was decreased in patients with CKD, including those with diabetes, hypertension, and IgA nephropathy, and in mouse models with experimental kidney fibrosis (unilateral ureteral obstruction [UUO], folic acid nephropathy [FAN], and aristolochic acid-induced nephrotoxicity). Tubule-specific knock out of TIF1γ in mice exacerbated UUO- and FAN-induced tubular cell polyploidy and subsequent fibrosis, whereas overexpression of kidney TIF1γ protected mice against kidney fibrosis. Mechanistically, in tubular epithelial cells, TIF1γ exerted an antifibrotic role via transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-dependent and -independent signaling. TIF1γ hindered TGF-β signaling directly by inhibiting the formation and activity of the transcription factor Smad complex in tubular cells, and we discovered that TIF1γ suppressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling upstream of TGF-β signaling in tubular cells by ubiquitylating EGFR at its lysine 851/905 sites thereby promoting EGFR internalization and lysosomal degradation. Pharmacological inhibition of EGFR signaling attenuated exacerbated polyploidization and the fibrotic phenotype in mice with tubule deletion of TIF1γ. Thus, tubular TIF1γ plays an important role in kidney fibrosis by suppressing profibrotic EGFR and TGF-β signaling. Hence, our findings suggest that maintaining homeostasis of tubular TIF1γ may be a new therapeutic option for treating tubulointerstitial fibrosis and subsequent CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyi Yuan
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guannan Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Ge
- Department of Nephrology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yonglong Pan
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Mo
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Kuang
- Department of Pathology, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuewu Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Tang
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zifu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Nephrology, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ze-Yang Ding
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Kidney disease is highly prevalent and affects approximately 850 million people worldwide. It is also associated with high morbidity and mortality, and current therapies are incurable and often ineffective. Animal models are indispensable for understanding the pathophysiology of various kidney diseases and for preclinically testing novel remedies. In the last two decades, rodents continue to be the most used models for imitating human kidney diseases, largely because of the increasing availability of many unique genetically modified mice. Despite many limitations and pitfalls, animal models play an essential and irreplaceable role in gaining novel insights into the mechanisms, pathologies, and therapeutic targets of kidney disease. In this review, we highlight commonly used animal models of kidney diseases by focusing on experimental AKI, CKD, and diabetic kidney disease. We briefly summarize the pathological characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks of some widely used models. Emerging animal models such as mini pig, salamander, zebrafish, and drosophila, as well as human-derived kidney organoids and kidney-on-a-chip are also discussed. Undoubtedly, careful selection and utilization of appropriate animal models is of vital importance in deciphering the mechanisms underlying nephropathies and evaluating the efficacy of new treatment options. Such studies will provide a solid foundation for future diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of human kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianqing Liang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yakupova EI, Abramicheva PA, Bocharnikov AD, Andrianova NV, Plotnikov EY. Biomarkers of the End-Stage Renal Disease Progression: Beyond the GFR. Biochemistry (Mosc) 2023; 88:1622-1644. [PMID: 38105029 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923100164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease can progress to the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) characterized by a high risk of morbidity and mortality. ESRD requires immediate therapy or even dialysis or kidney transplantation, therefore, its timely diagnostics is critical for many patients. ESRD is associated with pathological changes, such as inflammation, fibrosis, endocrine disorders, and epigenetic changes in various cells, which could serve as ESRD markers. The review summarizes information on conventional and new ESRD biomarkers that can be assessed in kidney tissue, blood, and urine. Some biomarkers are specific to a particular pathology, while others are more universal. Here, we suggest several universal inflammatory, fibrotic, hormonal, and epigenetic markers indicative of severe deterioration of renal function and ESRD progression for improvement of ESRD diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elmira I Yakupova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Polina A Abramicheva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Alexey D Bocharnikov
- International School of Medicine of the Future, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Nadezda V Andrianova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Egor Y Plotnikov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vares-Lum DL, Gangcuangco LMA, Park J, Manzano E, Ortega M, Chow DC, Shikuma C. Plasma galectin-3 is associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate in chronic HIV. HIV Res Clin Pract 2023; 24:2261753. [PMID: 37783570 PMCID: PMC10695702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV (PLWH) have higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with HIV-uninfected individuals. The pathogenesis of CKD in HIV remains poorly understood but is likely from a combination of various factors, such as traditional comorbidities, prolonged antiretroviral therapy, immune dysregulation, and direct HIV effect on the kidneys. We evaluated plasma galectin-3 (Gal-3), a circulating marker of fibrosis, and its association with renal function. METHODS Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed by CKD-EPI. Plasma galectin-3 was obtained from banked specimens by ELISA. Factors associated with eGFR were analyzed using step-wise multiple linear regression. RESULTS A total of 45 PLWH and 58 HIV-uninfected participants were included with similar demographic parameters. Among PLWH, majority had undetectable plasma HIV RNA (82.2%). Gal-3 was significantly higher in PLWH than in HIV-uninfected participants (6.4 [IQR 4.0, 8.5] ng/mL and 4.5 [IQR 2.3, 6.5] ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.020) while a trend towards lower eGFR was found in PLWH compared to the HIV-uninfected cohort (86.8 [IQR 71.3, 91.8] and 89.0 [IQR 78.6, 97.4] mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; p = 0.071). In univariable analysis, HIV status was marginally associated with decreased eGFR (β coefficient= -0.035, p = 0.051). In the final multivariable regression model adjusted for traditional risk factors of CKD, Gal-3 independently predicted a decrease in eGFR (unstandardized B= -0.008, p < 0.001) while HIV status did not demonstrate any significant association. CONCLUSION Gal-3 was higher in PLWH compared with HIV-uninfected participants. In multivariable adjusted analyses, Gal-3, but not HIV status, was associated with decreased eGFR. The role of Gal-3 as a biomarker of kidney function needs to be further elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana L Vares-Lum
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Louie Mar A Gangcuangco
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Juwon Park
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Tropical Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Eduardo Manzano
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Michael Ortega
- Center for Biomedical Research, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Dominic C Chow
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Cecilia Shikuma
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Tropical Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bhatia D, Srivastava SP. Editorial: Diabetic kidney disease: routes to drug development, pharmacology and underlying molecular mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1252315. [PMID: 37614315 PMCID: PMC10442945 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1252315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Bhatia
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Swayam Prakash Srivastava
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute of Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lai W, Huang R, Wang B, Shi M, Guo F, Li L, Ren Q, Tao S, Fu P, Ma L. Novel aspect of neprilysin in kidney fibrosis via ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis of tubular epithelial cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e330. [PMID: 37457659 PMCID: PMC10349188 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although inhibition of neprilysin (NEP) might be a therapeutic strategy with the potential to improve the outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the versatile function of NEP with its mechanism remains obscure in kidney fibrosis. In the study, we found that NEP was abnormally increased in tubular epithelial cells of CKD patients, as well as unilateral ureteral obstruction and adenine diet-induced mice. Treatment with a United States Food and Drug Administration-approved NEP inhibitor Sacubitrilat (LBQ657) could alleviate ferroptosis, tubular injury, and delay the progression of kidney fibrosis in experimental mice. Similarly, genetic knockdown of NEP also inhibited tubular injury and fibrosis in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 -induced tubular cells. Mechanically, NEP overexpression aggravated the ferroptotic and fibrotic phenotype, which was restored by acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) knockdown. The NEP silencing attenuated TGF-β1-induced tubular cell ferroptosis and was exacerbated by ACSL4 overexpression. Collectively, for the first time, a novel aspect of NEP was explored in kidney fibrosis through ACSL4-mediated tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis. Our data further confirmed that NEP inhibition exerted a promising therapeutic against fibrotic kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Lai
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of NephrologyClinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChengduChina
| | - Rongshuang Huang
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Min Shi
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Fan Guo
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lingzhi Li
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Sibei Tao
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sun Y, Ge J, Shao F, Ren Z, Huang Z, Ding Z, Dong L, Chen J, Zhang J, Zang Y. Long noncoding RNA AI662270 promotes kidney fibrosis through enhancing METTL3-mediated m 6 A modification of CTGF mRNA. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23071. [PMID: 37389924 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202202012rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The sustained release of profibrotic cytokines, mainly transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), leads to the occurrence of kidney fibrosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) appears to be an alternative target to TGF-β for antifibrotic therapy in CKD. In this study, we found that long noncoding RNA AI662270 was significantly increased in various renal fibrosis models. In vivo, ectopic expression of AI662270 alone was sufficient to activate interstitial fibroblasts and drive kidney fibrosis, whereas inhibition of AI662270 blocked the activation of interstitial fibroblasts and ameliorated kidney fibrosis in various murine models. Mechanistic studies revealed that overexpression of AI662270 significantly increased CTGF product, which was required for the role of AI662270 in driving kidney fibrosis. Furthermore, AI662270 binds to the CTGF promoter and directly interacts with METTL3, the methyltransferase of RNA N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification. Functionally, AI662270-mediated recruitment of METTL3 increased the m6 A methylation of CTGF mRNA and consequently enhanced CTGF mRNA stability. In conclusion, our results support that AI662270 promotes CTGF expression at the posttranscriptional stage by recruiting METTL3 to the CTGF promoter and depositing m6 A modifications on the nascent mRNA, thereby, uncovering a novel regulatory mechanism of CTGF in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jia Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Fang Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhengrong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yuhui Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Huang C, Chen XM, Zhao Y. Editorial: Novel therapeutic strategies for chronic kidney disease: from bench to bedside. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1242473. [PMID: 37484910 PMCID: PMC10359477 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1242473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Huang
- Renal Research Lab, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney Medical School, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xin-Ming Chen
- Renal Research Lab, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney Medical School, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yongli Zhao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Peng Y, Li L, Shang J, Zhu H, Liao J, Hong X, Hou FF, Fu H, Liu Y. Macrophage promotes fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis by assembling a vitronectin-enriched microenvironment. Theranostics 2023; 13:3897-3913. [PMID: 37441594 PMCID: PMC10334827 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Renal infiltration of inflammatory cells including macrophages is a crucial event in kidney fibrogenesis. However, how macrophage regulates fibroblast activation in the fibrotic kidney remains elusive. In this study, we show that macrophages promoted fibroblast activation by assembling a vitronectin (Vtn)-enriched, extracellular microenvironment. Methods: We prepared decellularized kidney tissue scaffold (KTS) from normal and fibrotic kidney after unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and carried out an unbiased quantitative proteomics analysis. NRK-49F cells were seeded on macrophage-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. Genetic Vtn knockout (Vtn-/-) mice and chronic kidney disease (CKD) model with overexpression of Vtn were used to corroborate a role of Vtn/integrin αvβ5/Src in kidney fibrosis. Results: Vtn was identified as one of the most upregulated proteins in the decellularized kidney tissue scaffold from fibrotic kidney by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, Vtn was upregulated in the kidney of mouse models of CKD and primarily expressed and secreted by activated macrophages. Urinary Vtn levels were elevated in CKD patients and inversely correlated with kidney function. Genetic ablation or knockdown of Vtn protected mice from developing kidney fibrosis after injury. Conversely, overexpression of Vtn exacerbated renal fibrotic lesions and aggravated renal insufficiency. We found that macrophage-derived, Vtn-enriched extracellular matrix scaffold promoted fibroblast activation and proliferation. In vitro, Vtn triggered fibroblast activation by stimulating integrin αvβ5 and Src kinase signaling. Either blockade of αvβ5 with neutralizing antibody or pharmacological inhibition of Src by Saracatinib abolished Vtn-induced fibroblast activation. Moreover, Saracatinib dose-dependently ameliorated Vtn-induced kidney fibrosis in vivo. These results demonstrate that macrophage induces fibroblast activation by assembling a Vtn-enriched extracellular microenvironment, which triggers integrin αvβ5 and Src kinase signaling. Conclusion: Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which macrophages contribute to kidney fibrosis via assembling a Vtn-enriched extracellular niche and suggest that disrupting fibrogenic microenvironment could be a therapeutic strategy for fibrotic CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Jingyue Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Haili Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Jinlin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Xue Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Miguel V, Kramann R. Metabolic reprogramming heterogeneity in chronic kidney disease. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:1154-1163. [PMID: 36723270 PMCID: PMC10315765 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis driven by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Myofibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for ECM production, are activated by cross talk with injured proximal tubule and immune cells. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in metabolism are not only a feature of but also play an influential role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. The application of omics technologies to cell-tracing animal models and follow-up functional data suggest that cell-type-specific metabolic shifts have particular roles in the fibrogenic response. In this review, we cover the main metabolic reprogramming outcomes in renal fibrosis and provide a future perspective on the field of renal fibrometabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Miguel
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems BiologyRWTH Aachen University HospitalAachenGermany
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems BiologyRWTH Aachen University HospitalAachenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Oh H, Kwon O, Kong MJ, Park KM, Baek JH. Macrophages promote Fibrinogenesis during kidney injury. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1206362. [PMID: 37425313 PMCID: PMC10325639 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1206362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages (Mø) are widely considered fundamental in the development of kidney fibrosis since Mø accumulation commonly aggravates kidney fibrosis, while Mø depletion mitigates it. Although many studies have aimed to elucidate Mø-dependent mechanisms linked to kidney fibrosis and have suggested various mechanisms, the proposed roles have been mostly passive, indirect, and non-unique to Mø. Therefore, the molecular mechanism of how Mø directly promote kidney fibrosis is not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests that Mø produce coagulation factors under diverse pathologic conditions. Notably, coagulation factors mediate fibrinogenesis and contribute to fibrosis. Thus, we hypothesized that kidney Mø express coagulation factors that contribute to the provisional matrix formation during acute kidney injury (AKI). To test our hypothesis, we probed for Mø-derived coagulation factors after kidney injury and uncovered that both infiltrating and kidney-resident Mø produce non-redundant coagulation factors in AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also identified F13a1, which catalyzes the final step of the coagulation cascade, as the most strongly upregulated coagulation factor in murine and human kidney Mø during AKI and CKD. Our in vitro experiments revealed that the upregulation of coagulation factors in Mø occurs in a Ca2 + -dependent manner. Taken together, our study demonstrates that kidney Mø populations express key coagulation factors following local injury, suggesting a novel effector mechanism of Mø contributing to kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Oh
- Laboratory of Inflammation Research, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Ohbin Kwon
- Laboratory of Inflammation Research, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kong
- Department of Anatomy, BK21Plus, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kwon Moo Park
- Department of Anatomy, BK21Plus, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jea-Hyun Baek
- Laboratory of Inflammation Research, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lindquist JA, Bernhardt A, Reichardt C, Sauter E, Brandt S, Rana R, Lindenmeyer MT, Philipsen L, Isermann B, Zhu C, Mertens PR. Cold Shock Domain Protein DbpA Orchestrates Tubular Cell Damage and Interstitial Fibrosis in Inflammatory Kidney Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1426. [PMID: 37408260 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-binding protein A (DbpA) belongs to the Y-box family of cold shock domain proteins that exert transcriptional and translational activities in the cell via their ability to bind and regulate mRNA. To investigate the role of DbpA in kidney disease, we utilized the murine unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) model, which recapitulates many features of obstructive nephropathy seen in humans. We observed that DbpA protein expression is induced within the renal interstitium following disease induction. Compared with wild-type animals, obstructed kidneys from Ybx3-deficient mice are protected from tissue injury, with a significant reduction in the number of infiltrating immune cells as well as in extracellular matrix deposition. RNAseq data from UUO kidneys show that Ybx3 is expressed by activated fibroblasts, which reside within the renal interstitium. Our data support a role for DbpA in orchestrating renal fibrosis and suggest that strategies targeting DbpA may be a therapeutic option to slow disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Lindquist
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anja Bernhardt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Reichardt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Eva Sauter
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Brandt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rajiv Rana
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maja T Lindenmeyer
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Philipsen
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peter R Mertens
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gonsalez SR, Gomes DS, de Souza AM, Ferrão FM, Vallotton Z, Gogulamudi VR, Lowe J, Casarini DE, Prieto MC, Lara LS. The Triad Na + Activated Na + Channel (Nax)-Salt Inducible KINASE (SIK) and (Na + + K +)-ATPase: Targeting the Villains to Treat Salt Resistant and Sensitive Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097887. [PMID: 37175599 PMCID: PMC10178781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Na+-activated Na+ channel (Nax) and salt-inducible kinase (SIK) are stimulated by increases in local Na+ concentration, affecting (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. To test the hypothesis that the triad Nax/SIK/(Na+ + K+)-ATPase contributes to kidney injury and salt-sensitive hypertension (HTN), uninephrectomized male Wistar rats (200 g; n = 20) were randomly divided into 4 groups based on a salt diet (normal salt diet; NSD-0.5% NaCl-or high-salt diet; HSD-4% NaCl) and subcutaneous administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA, 8 mg/kg), as follows: Control (CTRL), CTRL-Salt, DOCA, and DOCA-Salt, respectively. After 28 days, the following were measured: kidney function, blood pressure, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and SIK1 kidney activities, and Nax and SIK1 renal expression levels. SIK isoforms in kidneys of CTRL rats were present in the glomerulus and tubular epithelia; they were not altered by HSD and/or HTN. CTRL-Salt rats remained normotensive but presented slight kidney function decay. HSD rats displayed augmentation of the Nax/SIK/(Na+ + K+)-ATPase pathway. HTN, kidney injury, and kidney function decay were present in all DOCA rats; these were aggravated by HSD. DOCA rats presented unaltered (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, diminished total SIK activity, and augmented SIK1 and Nax content in the kidney cortex. DOCA-Salt rats expressed SIK1 activity and downregulation in (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity in the kidney cortex despite augmented Nax content. The data of this study indicate that the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity response to SIK is attenuated in rats under HSD, independent of HTN, as a mechanism contributing to kidney injury and salt-sensitive HTN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina R Gonsalez
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Dayene S Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, Brazil
| | - Alessandro M de Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Ferrão
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biologia (NUMPEX-BIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Caxias, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Zoe Vallotton
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Tulane Renal and Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Venkateswara R Gogulamudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Tulane Renal and Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jennifer Lowe
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Dulce E Casarini
- Departamento de Medicina, Disciplina de Nefrologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Minolfa C Prieto
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Tulane Renal and Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lucienne S Lara
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
An C, Jiao B, Du H, Tran M, Song B, Wang P, Zhou D, Wang Y. JMJD3 Promotes Myeloid Fibroblast Activation and Macrophage Polarization in Kidney Fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 37076137 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Renal fibrosis is a common feature of chronic kidney disease. Myeloid fibroblasts and macrophages contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying myeloid fibroblast activation and macrophage polarization are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the role of JMJD3 in myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and renal fibrosis development in a preclinical model of obstructive nephropathy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To examine the role of JMJD3 in renal fibrosis, we generated mice with global or myeloid cell-specific deletion of JMJD3, and we treated wild-type mice with vehicle or GSK-J4, a selective JMJD3 inhibitor. Mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstructive injury to induced renal fibrosis. KEY RESULTS JMJD3 expression was significantly increased in the kidneys during the development of renal fibrosis, which was associated with an increase in H3K27 dimethylation. Mice with global or myeloid JMJD3 deficiency exhibited significantly reduced total collagen deposition and extracellular matrix protein production, myeloid fibroblast activation, and M2 macrophage polarization in the obstructed kidney. Moreover, IFN regulatory factor 4, a mediator of M2 macrophage polarization, was significantly induced in the obstructed kidneys, which was abolished by JMJD3 deficiency. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of JMJD3 with GSK-J4 attenuated kidney fibrosis, reduced myeloid fibroblast activation, and suppressed M2 macrophage polarization in the obstructed kidney. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our study identifies JMJD3 as a critical regulator of myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and renal fibrosis development. Therefore, JMJD3 may represent a promising therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changlong An
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Baihai Jiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hao Du
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Melanie Tran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Bo Song
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dong Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Renal Section, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li KM, Li JJ, Wan L, Cheng YX. Five New Cantharidin Derivatives from the Insect Mylabris cichorii L. and Their Potential against Kidney Fibrosis In Vitro. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062822. [PMID: 36985794 PMCID: PMC10056085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Five new monoterpenoids including three 1-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl cantharimide-type derivatives (1, 2, and 5) and two 1,2-dimethyl cantharimide-type derivatives (3 and 4), together with three known compounds (6-8) were isolated from the insect Mylabris cichorii Linnaeus. The structures of these new compounds, including their absolute configurations, were characterized by detailed analysis of NMR, chemical derivatization, and quantum chemical ECD calculations. All of the compounds were tested for their biological activity against kidney fibrosis. The results revealed that compounds 2, 4, and 7 could inhibit kidney fibrosis in vitro at 40 μM by inhibiting the expression of fibronectin and collagen I in TGF-β1-induced NRK-52e cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Ming Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- Institute for Inheritance-Based Innovation of Chinese Medicine, Medical School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ji-Jun Li
- Institute for Inheritance-Based Innovation of Chinese Medicine, Medical School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Li Wan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yong-Xian Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- Institute for Inheritance-Based Innovation of Chinese Medicine, Medical School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yiu W, Lok S, Xue R, Chen J, Lai K, Lan H, Tang S. The long noncoding RNA Meg3 mediates TLR4-induced inflammation in experimental obstructive nephropathy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:317-331. [PMID: 36705251 PMCID: PMC9977690 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Kidney inflammation contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Modulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for this pathology, but the regulatory mechanisms of TLR4 signaling in kidney tubular inflammation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that tubule-specific deletion of TLR4 in mice conferred protection against obstruction-induced kidney injury, with reduction in inflammatory cytokine production, macrophage infiltration and kidney fibrosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed a marked down-regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Meg3 in the obstructed kidney from tubule-specific TLR4 knockout mice compared with wild-type control. Meg3 was also induced by lipopolysaccharide in tubular epithelial cells via a p53-dependent signaling pathway. Silencing of Meg3 suppressed LPS-induced cytokine production of CCL-2 and CXCL-2 and the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in vitro and ameliorated kidney fibrosis in mice with obstructive nephropathy. Together, these findings identify a proinflammatory role of lncRNA Meg3 in CKD and suggest a novel regulatory pathway in TLR4-driven inflammatory responses in tubular epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wai Han Yiu
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Sarah W.Y. Lok
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Rui Xue
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Jiaoyi Chen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kar Neng Lai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Hui Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sydney C.W. Tang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
- Correspondence: Sydney C.W. Tang ()
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Son M, Kim GY, Yang Y, Ha S, Kim J, Kim D, Chung HY, Moon HR, Chung KW. PPAR Pan Agonist MHY2013 Alleviates Renal Fibrosis in a Mouse Model by Reducing Fibroblast Activation and Epithelial Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054882. [PMID: 36902313 PMCID: PMC10002481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) nuclear receptor has been an interesting target for the treatment of chronic diseases. Although the efficacy of PPAR pan agonists in several metabolic diseases has been well studied, the effect of PPAR pan agonists on kidney fibrosis development has not been demonstrated. To evaluate the effect of the PPAR pan agonist MHY2013, a folic acid (FA)-induced in vivo kidney fibrosis model was used. MHY2013 treatment significantly controlled decline in kidney function, tubule dilation, and FA-induced kidney damage. The extent of fibrosis determined using biochemical and histological methods showed that MHY2013 effectively blocked the development of fibrosis. Pro-inflammatory responses, including cytokine and chemokine expression, inflammatory cell infiltration, and NF-κB activation, were all reduced with MHY2013 treatment. To demonstrate the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MHY2013, in vitro studies were conducted using NRK49F kidney fibroblasts and NRK52E kidney epithelial cells. In the NRK49F kidney fibroblasts, MHY2013 treatment significantly reduced TGF-β-induced fibroblast activation. The gene and protein expressions of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin were significantly reduced with MHY2013 treatment. Using PPAR transfection, we found that PPARγ played a major role in blocking fibroblast activation. In addition, MHY2013 significantly reduced LPS-induced NF-κB activation and chemokine expression mainly through PPARβ activation. Taken together, our results suggest that administration of the PPAR pan agonist effectively prevented renal fibrosis in both in vitro and in vivo models of kidney fibrosis, implicating the therapeutic potential of PPAR agonists against chronic kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjung Son
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Young Kim
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sugyeong Ha
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongwon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Ryong Moon
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (H.R.M.); (K.W.C.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2815 (H.R.M.); +82-51-510-2819 (K.W.C.); Fax: +82-51-518-2812 (K.W.C.)
| | - Ki Wung Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (H.R.M.); (K.W.C.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2815 (H.R.M.); +82-51-510-2819 (K.W.C.); Fax: +82-51-518-2812 (K.W.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lu Y, Zhang R, Gu X, Wang X, Xi P, Chen X. Exosomes from tubular epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition promote renal fibrosis by M1 macrophage activation. FASEB Bioadv 2023; 5:101-113. [PMID: 36876297 PMCID: PMC9983075 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2022-00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the common final pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it is distinguished by inflammation, mesenchymal transition with myofibroblast formation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Macrophages are protuberant inflammatory cells in the kidney, and their roles are dependent on their phenotypes. However, it remains unclear whether tubular epithelial cells (TECs) undergoing EMT can influence the phenotypes of macrophages and the underlying mechanisms during the development of kidney fibrosis. Here, we investigated the characteristics of TECs and macrophages during kidney fibrosis with a focus on EMT and inflammation. We found that the coculture of exosomes from transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced TECs with macrophages induced macrophage M1 polarization, while exosomes from TECs without TGF-β stimulation or stimulation with TGF-β alone did not induce an increase in M1 macrophage-related markers. Notably, TECs induced to undergo EMT by TGF-β treatment released more exosomes than the other groups. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that when we injected exosomes from TECs undergoing EMT into mice, in addition to the high level of inflammatory response and the activation of M1 macrophages, the indicators of EMT and renal fibrosis in mouse kidney tissue were correspondingly elevated. In summary, exosomes from TECs undergoing EMT by TGF-β treatment induced M1 polarization and led to a positive feedback effect for further EMT and the development of renal fibrosis. Therefore, the obstacle to the release of such exosomes may be a novel therapeutic strategy for CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Lu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Nantong China.,Medical School of Nantong University Nantong China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Nantong China.,Medical School of Nantong University Nantong China
| | - Xiameng Gu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Nantong China.,Medical School of Nantong University Nantong China
| | - Xuerong Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Nantong China.,Medical School of Nantong University Nantong China
| | - Peipei Xi
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Nantong China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Nantong China.,Medical School of Nantong University Nantong China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Shi Y, Tao M, Chen H, Ma X, Wang Y, Hu Y, Zhou X, Li J, Cui B, Qiu A, Zhuang S, Liu N. Ubiquitin-specific protease 11 promotes partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by deubiquitinating the epidermal growth factor receptor during kidney fibrosis. Kidney Int 2023; 103:544-564. [PMID: 36581018 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) is believed to be related to tumor progression. However, few studies have reported the biological function and clinical importance of USP11 in kidney fibrosis. Here, we demonstrated USP11 was highly upregulated in the kidneys from patients with chronic kidney disease and correlated positively with fibrotic lesion but negatively with kidney function. Conditional USP11 deletion or pharmacologic inhibition with Mitoxantrone attenuated pathological lesions and improved kidney function in both hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN)- and folic acid (FA)-induced mouse models of kidney fibrosis. Mechanistically, by RNA sequencing, USP11 was found to be involved in nuclear gene transcription of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). USP11 co-immunoprecipitated and co-stained with extra-nuclear EGFR and deubiquitinated and protected EGFR from proteasome-dependent degradation. Genetic or pharmacological depletion of USP11 facilitated EGFR degradation and abated augmentation of TGF-β1 and downstream signaling. This consequently alleviated the partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition, G2/M arrest and aberrant secretome of profibrogenic and proinflammatory factors in uric acid-stimulated tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, USP11 deletion had anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory kidney effects in the murine HN and FA models. Thus, our study provides evidence supporting USP11 as a promising target for minimizing kidney fibrosis and that inhibition of USP11 has potential to be an effective strategy for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinqing Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andong Qiu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Li L, He M, Tang X, Huang J, Li J, Hong X, Fu H, Liu Y. Proteomic landscape of the extracellular matrix in the fibrotic kidney. Kidney Int 2023:S0085-2538(23)00082-0. [PMID: 36805449 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional network of proteins surrounding cells, forming a niche that controls cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and differentiation. The ECM network provides an architectural scaffold for surrounding cells and undergoes dynamic changes in composition and contents during the evolution of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we unveiled the proteomic landscape of the ECM by delineating proteome-wide and ECM-specific alterations in normal and fibrotic kidneys. Decellularized kidney tissue scaffolds were made and subjected to proteomic profiling by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 172 differentially expressed proteins were identified in these scaffolds from mice with CKD. Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we identified a core set of nine signature proteins, which could play a role in establishing an oxidatively stressed, profibrotic, proinflammatory and antiangiogenetic microenvironment. Among these nine proteins, glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) was the only protein with downregulated expression during CKD. Knockdown of GPX3 in vivo augmented ECM expression and aggravated kidney fibrotic lesions after obstructive injury. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that GPX3 depletion resulted in an altered expression of the genes enriched in hypoxia pathway. Knockdown of GPX3 induced NADPH oxidase 2 expression, promoted kidney generation of reactive oxygen species and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Conversely, overexpression of exogenous GPX3 alleviated kidney fibrosis, inhibited NADPH oxidase 2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These findings suggest that oxidative stress is a pivotal element of the fibrogenic microenvironment. Thus, our studies represent a comprehensive proteomic characterization of the ECM in the fibrotic kidney and provide novel insights into molecular composition of the fibrogenic microenvironment.
Collapse
|
40
|
Das F, Ghosh-Choudhury N, Maity S, Kasinath BS, Ghosh Choudhury G. TGFβ instructs mTORC2 to activate PKCβII for increased TWIST1 expression in proximal tubular epithelial cell injury. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:1300-1316. [PMID: 36775967 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The plasticity of proximal tubular epithelial cells in response to TGFβ contributes to the expression of TWIST1 to drive renal fibrosis. The mechanism of TWIST1 expression is not known. We show that both PI3 kinase and its target mTORC2 increase TGFβ-induced TWIST1 expression. TGFβ enhances phosphorylation on Ser-660 in the protein kinase C βII (PKCβII) hydrophobic motif site. Remarkably, phosphorylation-deficient PKCβIIS660A, kinase-dead PKCβII, and PKCβII knockdown blocked TWIST1 expression by TGFβ. Inhibition of TWIST1 arrested TGFβ-induced tubular cell hypertrophy and the expression of fibronectin, collagen I (α2), and α-smooth muscle actin. By contrast, TWIST1 overexpression induced these pathologies. Interestingly, the inhibition of PKCβII reduced these phenomena, which were countered by the expression of TWIST1. These results provide the first evidence for the involvement of the mTORC2-PKCβII axis in TWIST1 expression to promote tubular cell pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Falguni Das
- 1VA Research and 4Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Department of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Soumya Maity
- Department of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Goutam Ghosh Choudhury
- 1VA Research and 4Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Department of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Garufi A, Pistritto G, D’Orazi G. HIPK2 as a Novel Regulator of Fibrosis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041059. [PMID: 36831402 PMCID: PMC9954661 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an unmet medical problem due to a lack of evident biomarkers to help develop efficient targeted therapies. Fibrosis can affect almost every organ and eventually induce organ failure. Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a protein kinase that controls several molecular pathways involved in cell death and development and it has been extensively studied, mainly in the cancer biology field. Recently, a role for HIPK2 has been highlighted in tissue fibrosis. Thus, HIPK2 regulates several pro-fibrotic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β and Notch involved in renal, pulmonary, liver and cardiac fibrosis. These findings suggest a wider role for HIPK2 in tissue physiopathology and highlight HIPK2 as a promising target for therapeutic purposes in fibrosis. Here, we will summarize the recent studies showing the involvement of HIPK2 as a novel regulator of fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Garufi
- Unit of Cellular Networks, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Pistritto
- Centralized Procedures Office, Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D’Orazi
- Unit of Cellular Networks, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66013 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ke B, Shen W, Song J, Fang X. MG53: A potential therapeutic target for kidney disease. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01049. [PMID: 36583464 PMCID: PMC9801490 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ensuring cell survival and tissue regeneration by maintaining cellular integrity is important to the pathophysiology of many human diseases, including kidney disease. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) is a member of the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) protein family that plays an essential role in repairing cell membrane injury and improving tissue regeneration. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that MG53 plays a renoprotective role in kidney diseases. Moreover, with the beneficial effects of the recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein in the treatment of kidney diseases in different animal models, rhMG53 shows significant therapeutic potential in kidney disease. In this review, we elucidate the role of MG53 and its molecular mechanism in kidney disease to provide new approaches to the treatment of kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ke
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianling Song
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangdong Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Krangvichian P, Nakornpakdee Y, Sangjun N, Komanee P, Techawiwattanaboon T, Patarakul K. Sublethal infection of C3H/HeNJ against Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106701. [PMID: 36216095 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. Leptospires can infect a variety of mammalian species. Golden Syrian hamsters are mostly used to study acute leptospirosis. However, the immunopathogenic mechanism is poorly understood because immunological reagents for hamsters are limited. This study aimed to establish C3H/HeNJ mice as an animal model for leptospirosis. Five-week-old C3H/HeNJ mice were infected with either low (103 cells) or high (106 cells) inoculum dose of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. All mice were investigated for survival rate, leptospiral load and histopathology of target organs, antibody levels, and cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10) at day 28 post-infection. All infected mice survived and did not develop acute lethal infection. However, C3H/HeNJ mice infected with 106 cells of leptospires showed kidney colonization of leptospires and pathological changes in the lung and kidney including renal fibrosis. The glomerular size in PAS-D stained kidney tissues of C3H/HeNJ mice infected with 106 cells of leptospires was significantly reduced compared to that of mice infected with 103 cells of leptospires and non-infected mice. High-dose leptospires induced significantly greater levels of IFN-gamma and IL-6 than low-dose leptospires, but IL-10 level was not significantly different. Moreover, 106 leptospiral cells induced predominant IgG2a isotype suggesting Th1-like response. These results suggest that C3H/HeNJ mice may be used as a sublethal model of leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratomporn Krangvichian
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Yaowarin Nakornpakdee
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Noppadon Sangjun
- Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Pat Komanee
- Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Teerasit Techawiwattanaboon
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shi M, Maique JO, Cleaver O, Moe OW, Hu MC. VEGFR2 insufficiency enhances phosphotoxicity and undermines Klotho's protection against peritubular capillary rarefaction and kidney fibrosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F106-F123. [PMID: 36395384 PMCID: PMC9799155 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00149.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its cognate receptor (VEGFR2) system are crucial for cell functions associated with angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Klotho contributes to vascular health maintenance in the kidney and other organs in mammals, but it is unknown whether renoprotection by Klotho is dependent on VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling. We used heterozygous VEGFR2-haploinsufficient (VEGFR2+/-) mice resulting from heterozygous knockin of green fluorescent protein in the locus of fetal liver kinase 1 encoding VEGFR2 to test the interplay of Klotho, phosphate, and VEGFR2 in kidney function, the vasculature, and fibrosis. VEGFR2+/- mice displayed downregulated VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling in the kidney, lower density of peritubular capillaries, and accelerated kidney fibrosis, all of which were also found in the homozygous Klotho hypomorphic mice. High dietary phosphate induced higher plasma phosphate, greater peritubular capillary rarefaction, and more kidney fibrosis in VEGFR2+/- mice compared with wild-type mice. Genetic overexpression of Klotho significantly attenuated the elevated plasma phosphate, kidney dysfunction, peritubular capillary rarefaction, and kidney fibrosis induced by a high-phosphate diet in wild-type mice but only modestly ameliorated these changes in the VEGFR2+/- background. In cultured endothelial cells, VEGFR2 inhibition reduced free VEGFR2 but enhanced its costaining of an endothelial marker (CD31) and exacerbated phosphotoxicity. Klotho protein maintained VEGFR2 expression and attenuated high phosphate-induced cell injury, which was reduced by VEGFR2 inhibition. In conclusion, normal VEGFR2 function is required for vascular integrity and for Klotho to exert vascular protective and antifibrotic actions in the kidney partially through the regulation of VEGFR2 function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research paper studied the interplay of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2), high dietary phosphate, and Klotho, an antiaging protein, in peritubular structure and kidney fibrosis. Klotho protein was shown to maintain VEGFR2 expression in the kidney and reduce high phosphate-induced cell injury. However, Klotho cytoprotection was attenuated by VEGFR2 inhibition. Thus, normal VEGFR2 function is required for vascular integrity and Klotho to exert vascular protective and antifibrotic actions in the kidney.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Shi
- Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jenny Omega Maique
- Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ondine Cleaver
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Orson W Moe
- Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ming Chang Hu
- Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Swanson ML, Regner KR, Moore BM, Park F. Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Activation Reduces the Progression of Kidney Fibrosis Using a Mouse Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:790-803. [PMID: 35196117 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney fibrosis is a hallmark consequence of all forms of chronic kidney disease with few available treatment modalities. Material and Methods: In this study, we performed the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) procedure to investigate the effects of a selective cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) agonist receptor, SMM-295, as a nephroprotective therapy. Results: SMM-295 was demonstrated to exhibit 50-fold selectivity over the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor with an EC50 ∼2 nM. Four other off-targets were identified in the safety panel, but only at the highest concentration (5 mM) tested in the assay demonstrating the relative selectivity and safety of our compound. Administration of SMM-295 (12 mg/kg IP daily) in UUO mice led to a significant decrease of 33% in tubular damage compared to the vehicle-treated UUO mice after 7 days. Consistent with these findings, there was a significant decrease in α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, which are markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as determined by Western blot analysis. DNA damage as detected by a classic marker, γ-H2AX, was significantly reduced by 50% in the SMM-295 treatment group compared to vehicle treatment. Genetic knockout of CB2 or administration of a CB2 inverse agonist did not exhibit any beneficial effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis or kidney tubule injury. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that SMM-295 can therapeutically target the CB2 receptor with few, if any, physiological off-target sites to reduce kidney tissue damage and slow the fibrotic progression in a mouse model of kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory L Swanson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kevin R Regner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Frank Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rahman MDH, Biswas P, Dey D, Hannan MA, Sahabuddin M, Araf Y, Kwon Y, Emran TB, Ali MS, Uddin MJ. An In-Silico Identification of Potential Flavonoids against Kidney Fibrosis Targeting TGFβR-1. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1764. [PMID: 36362919 PMCID: PMC9694304 DOI: 10.3390/life12111764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark of progressive kidney diseases. The overexpression of profibrotic cytokine, namely transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) due to excessive inflammation and tissue damage, induces kidney fibrosis. The inhibition of TGF-β signaling is markedly limited in experimental disease models. Targeting TGF-β signaling, therefore, offers a prospective strategy for the management of kidney fibrosis. Presently, the marketed drugs have numerous side effects, but plant-derived compounds are relatively safer and more cost-effective. In this study, TGFβR-1 was targeted to identify the lead compounds among flavonoids using various computational approaches, such as ADME/T (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion/toxicity) analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. ADME/T screening identified a total of 31 flavonoids with drug-like properties of 31 compounds, a total of 5 compounds showed a higher binding affinity to TGFβR-1, with Epicatechin, Fisetin, and Luteolin ranking at the top three (-13.58, -13.17, and -10.50 kcal/mol, respectively), which are comparable to the control drug linagliptin (-9.074 kcal/mol). The compounds also exhibited outstanding protein-ligand interactions. The molecular dynamic simulations revealed a stable interaction of these compounds with the binding site of TGFβR-1. These findings indicate that flavonoids, particularly Epicatechin, Fisetin, and Luteolin, may compete with the ligand-binding site of TGFβR-1, suggesting that these compounds can be further evaluated for the development of potential therapeutics against kidney fibrosis. Further, in-vitro and in-vivo studies are recommended to support the current findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MD. Hasanur Rahman
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Partha Biswas
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Dipta Dey
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abdul Hannan
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sahabuddin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sarafat Ali
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhang X, Li B, Huo S, Du J, Zhang J, Song M, Cui Y, Li Y. T-2 Toxin Induces Kidney Fibrosis via the mtROS-NLRP3-Wnt/β-Catenin Axis. J Agric Food Chem 2022; 70:13765-13777. [PMID: 36239691 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
T-2 toxin causes kidney fibrosis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes kidney fibrosis when sustained and activated. However, whether T-2-induced kidney fibrosis involves Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation has not been explored yet. T-2 toxin causes renal mitochondrial damage, leading to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) overproduction and NLRP3-inflammasome activation. The activated NLRP3-inflammasome can mediate fibrosis. However, whether the NLRP3-inflammasome can be mediated by mtROS and further regulate T-2-induced kidney fibrosis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling is unclear. In this study, first, we confirmed that T-2 toxin caused Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation in mice kidneys and HK-2 cells. Second, we confirmed that mtROS activated the NLRP3-inflammasome in T-2-exposed mice kidneys and HK-2 cells. Third, we confirmed that the NLRP3-inflammasome regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in T-2 toxin-exposed mice kidneys and HK-2 cells. Finally, we confirmed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulated fibrosis in T-2 toxin-exposed mice kidneys and HK-2 cells. The above results confirm that T-2 toxin induces kidney fibrosis via the mtROS-NLRP3-Wnt/β-catenin axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuliang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Siming Huo
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiayu Du
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Miao Song
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yilong Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, 028000 Tongliao, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cheng Z, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Li L, Chen P. Role of MMP-2 and CD147 in kidney fibrosis. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1182-1190. [PMID: 36185410 PMCID: PMC9482425 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) both play important roles in the development of kidney fibrosis, and CD147 can induce the production and activation of MMP-2. In the early stage of kidney fibrosis, MMP-2 promotes extracellular matrix (ECM) production and accelerates the development of kidney fibrosis, while in the advanced stage, MMP-2 activity decreases, leading to reduced ECM degradation and making it difficult to alleviate kidney fibrosis. The reason for the decrease in MMP-2 activity in the advanced stage is still unclear. On the one hand, it may be related to hypoxia and endocytosis, which lead to changes in the expression of MMP-2-related active regulatory molecules; on the other hand, it may be related to insufficient CD147 function. At present, the specific process by which CD147 is involved in the regulation of MMP-2 activity is not completely clear, and further in-depth studies are needed to clarify the roles of both factors in the pathophysiology of kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ma'anshan People's Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Southeast University, Hubei Road 45, Huashan District, Ma'anshan 243099, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, Zhongshan East Road 305, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao 87, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao 87, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Pingsheng Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao 87, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ortega-Lozano AJ, Jiménez-Uribe AP, Aranda-Rivera AK, Gómez-Caudillo L, Ríos-Castro E, Tapia E, Bellido B, Aparicio-Trejo OE, Sánchez-Lozada LG, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Expression Profiles of Kidney Mitochondrial Proteome during the Progression of the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction: Focus on Energy Metabolism Adaptions. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12100936. [PMID: 36295838 PMCID: PMC9607257 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney diseases encompass many pathologies, including obstructive nephropathy (ON), a common clinical condition caused by different etiologies such as urolithiasis, prostatic hyperplasia in males, tumors, congenital stenosis, and others. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rodents is an experimental model widely used to explore the pathophysiology of ON, replicating vascular alterations, tubular atrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis development. In addition, due to the kidney’s high energetic demand, mitochondrial function has gained great attention, as morphological and functional alterations have been demonstrated in kidney diseases. Here we explore the kidney mitochondrial proteome differences during a time course of 7, 14, and 21 days after the UUO in rats, revealing changes in proteins involved in three main metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and the fatty acid (FA) metabolism, all of them related to bioenergetics. Our results provide new insight into the mechanisms involved in metabolic adaptations triggered by the alterations in kidney mitochondrial proteome during the ON.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Jazmín Ortega-Lozano
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Alexis Paulina Jiménez-Uribe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Gómez-Caudillo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Emmanuel Ríos-Castro
- Genomic, Proteomic, and Metabolomic Unit (UGPM), LaNSE, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Edilia Tapia
- Department of Cardio-Renal Physiopathology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Belen Bellido
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Omar Emiliano Aparicio-Trejo
- Department of Cardio-Renal Physiopathology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Laura Gabriela Sánchez-Lozada
- Department of Cardio-Renal Physiopathology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +52-55-5622-3878
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Jang HS, Noh MR, Plumb T, Lee K, He JC, Ferrer FA, Padanilam BJ. Hepatic and proximal tubule angiotensinogen play distinct roles in kidney dysfunction, glomerular and tubular injury, and fibrosis progression. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 323:F435-F446. [PMID: 35924445 PMCID: PMC9485008 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00029.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Components of the renin-angiotensin system, including angiotensinogen (AGT), are critical contributors to chronic kidney disease (CKD) development and progression. However, the specific role of tissue-derived AGTs in CKD has not been fully understood. To define the contribution of liver versus kidney AGT in the CKD development, we performed 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx), an established CKD model, in wild-type (WT), proximal tubule (PT)- or liver-specific AGT knockout (KO) mice. Nx significantly elevated intrarenal AGT expression and elevated blood pressure (BP) in WT mice. The increase of intrarenal AGT protein was completely blocked in liver-specific AGT KO mice with BP reduction, suggesting a crucial role for liver AGT in BP regulation during CKD. Nx-induced glomerular and kidney injury and dysfunction, as well as fibrosis, were all attenuated to a greater extent in liver-specific AGT KO mice compared with PT-specific AGT KO and WT mice. However, the suppression of interstitial fibrosis in PT- and liver-specific AGT KO mouse kidneys was comparable. Our findings demonstrate that liver AGT acts as a critical contributor in driving glomerular and tubular injury, renal dysfunction, and fibrosis progression, whereas the role of PT AGT was limited to interstitial fibrosis progression in chronic renal insufficiency. Our results provide new insights for the development of tissue-targeted renin-angiotensin system intervention in the treatment of CKD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major unmet medical need with no effective treatment. Current findings demonstrate that hepatic and proximal tubule angiotensinogen have distinct roles in tubular and glomerular injury, fibrogenesis, and renal dysfunction during CKD development. As renin-angiotensin system components, including angiotensinogen, are important targets for treating CKD in the clinic, the results from our study may be applied to developing better tissue-targeted treatment strategies for CKD and other fibroproliferative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Seong Jang
- Department of Urology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mi Ra Noh
- Department of Urology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Troy Plumb
- Division of Nephrology, Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Kyung Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - John Cijiang He
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Fernando A Ferrer
- Department of Urology, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Babu J Padanilam
- Department of Urology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| |
Collapse
|