Serum Protein Exposure Activates a Core Regulatory Program Driving Human Proximal Tubule Injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The kidneys efficiently filter waste products while retaining serum proteins in the circulation. However, numerous diseases compromise this barrier function, resulting in spillage of serum proteins into the urine (proteinuria). Some studies of glomerular filtration suggest that tubules may be physiologically exposed to nephrotic-range protein levels. Therefore, whether serum components can directly injure the downstream tubular portions of the kidney, which in turn can lead to inflammation and fibrosis, remains controversial.

Methods

We tested the effects of serum protein exposure in human kidney tubule microphysiologic systems and with orthogonal epigenomic approaches since animal models cannot directly assess the effect of serum components on tubules.

Results

SUBMITTER: Lidberg KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9063895 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature