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Role of NFAT5 in inflammatory disorders associated with osmotic stress

Wolfgang Neuhofer1

  • 1Departments of Nephrology and Physiology, Inner City Campus, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Current Genomics
|June 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) regulates gene expression in response to osmotic stress. NFAT5 plays a crucial role in both renal and non-renal tissues, influencing immune responses and cytokine production.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) is a transcription factor involved in the immune response.
  • Initially identified for its role in renal osmoprotection, NFAT5 is now recognized for its broader biological significance.
  • Elevated tonicity in non-renal tissues and systemic anisotonic disorders highlights the importance of the osmotic stress response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of NFAT5 activation and regulation.
  • To explore the role of NFAT5 in cytokine production under osmotic stress.
  • To discuss the implications of NFAT5 in anisotonic and inflammatory disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on NFAT5.
  • Analysis of NFAT5-dependent gene regulation in various cell types.
  • Examination of NFAT5's role in physiological and pathological conditions involving osmotic stress.

Main Results:

  • NFAT5 stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in mononuclear and epithelial cells under elevated tonicity.
  • Physiological hypertonicity exists in lymphoid organs and the liver.
  • Systemic hyperosmolality occurs in conditions like dehydration and diabetes mellitus, with local hyperosmolality in inflammatory sites.

Conclusions:

  • NFAT5 is a key regulator of the osmotic stress response beyond the kidney.
  • NFAT5 activation contributes to inflammation in various tissues.
  • Understanding NFAT5's role is critical for managing anisotonic and inflammatory diseases.
Keywords:
NFAT5cytokinesgene regulation.inflammationosmotic stress

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