[Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF): a key factor in the onset and progression of kidney damage]

E Sánchez-López1, R Rodrigues Díez, J Rodríguez Vita

  • 1Laboratorio de Biología celular en Enfermedades Renales, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Insights

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) drives kidney fibrosis and inflammation. Blocking CTGF offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating kidney diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Context:

  • Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is upregulated in fibrotic conditions, notably in various kidney diseases.
  • CTGF plays a role in cellular processes like cell cycle, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis.
  • Expression of CTGF is influenced by factors implicated in renal damage, including TGF-β, Angiotensin II, hyperglycemia, and cellular stress.

Purpose:

  • To review the primary roles of CTGF in renal disease.
  • To elucidate the intracellular mechanisms of CTGF action.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting CTGF for kidney disease treatment.

Summary:

  • CTGF contributes to the initiation and progression of renal damage.
  • It promotes inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys.
  • CTGF is identified as a potential therapeutic target for kidney diseases.

Impact:

  • Understanding CTGF's role provides insights into fibrotic kidney disease mechanisms.
  • Highlights CTGF as a viable target for novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Informs the development of treatments aimed at mitigating renal fibrosis and inflammation.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...