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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
16:15
Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
Urinary Peptide patterns in native kidneys and kidney allografts
Yan Zhang1, William S Oetting, Stephen B Harvey
1Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Transplantation
|June 23, 2009
Summary
A noninvasive urine test using mass spectrometry can detect protein biomarkers for kidney disease and transplant rejection. This method offers a safer alternative to invasive biopsies for monitoring kidney health.
Area of Science:
- Biomarker Discovery
- Proteomics
- Transplant Nephrology
Background:
- Kidney transplant biopsies are invasive and carry patient risks.
- A noninvasive test for transplanted kidney health is needed.
- Current methods lack noninvasive diagnostic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify urinary protein biomarkers for diagnosing kidney disease.
- To develop a noninvasive method for assessing transplanted kidney health.
- To differentiate between healthy and diseased kidney states using urine analysis.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples analyzed from kidney donors, pretransplant patients, and posttransplant recipients.
- Proteins extracted using C4 reverse phase affinity.
- Analyzed via matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Healthy kidneys showed saposin B glycoisoforms.
- Kidney disease patients lacked saposin B and exhibited distinct protein patterns, including beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) or alpha-1 antitrypsin degradation products.
- Pathologic components identified included urinary protein 1, transthyretin, and other novel peaks.
Conclusions:
- Urine protein profiles varied based on kidney health and disease status.
- Detected patterns in transplant patients ranged from healthy to advanced kidney disease.
- These findings suggest potential for noninvasive monitoring of kidney transplant recipients and early disease detection.
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