In vivo expression of VCAM1 precedes nephron loss following kidney tubular necrosis.

ABSTRACT: Nephron loss is a key event during onset and progression of chronic kidney disease, yet the mechanisms dictating tubule repair versus atrophy remain poorly understood. While fibrosis has been proposed to drive progressive organ damage, antifibrotic therapies have failed in clinical trials. Here, we reveal that tubular vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) expression precedes nephron loss, fibrosis, and long-term kidney dysfunction. Using serial intravital microscopy in transgenic mice, we track tubulointerstitial remodeling between injured and intact tissue over 3 weeks. VCAM1 is rapidly induced in a distinct subset of injured tubules, preceding atrophy with sustained fibroblast recruitment. However, fibroblasts remain confined to injury sites and do not cause secondary damage in uninj

SUBMITTER: Kristensen AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12542942 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature