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Epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk alteration in kidney fibrosis

Marco Prunotto1, David C Budd, Giulio Gabbiani

  • 1CV and Metabolic DTA Department, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland. marco.prunotto@gmail.com

The Journal of Pathology
|May 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising globally. Altered cellular crosstalk in the tubulo-interstitial microenvironment may drive renal fibrosis and disease progression, despite improved therapies targeting the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS).

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pathology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) incidence is increasing globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
  • Current therapies targeting the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS) have limitations in halting progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
  • Existing research suggests renal fibrosis progression is linked to the tubulo-interstitial microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review biological evidence supporting the role of altered cellular crosstalk in CKD progression.
  • To investigate the contribution of the tubulo-interstitial microenvironment to renal disease.
  • To explore the epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk in the context of renal fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • Analysis of historical and recent findings on renal fibrosis mechanisms.
  • Examination of cellular interactions within the tubulo-interstitial microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that an altered tubulo-interstitial microenvironment contributes to CKD progression.
  • Epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk is identified as a key factor in the development of renal fibrosis.
  • Cellular interactions within the injured kidney play a critical role in disease advancement.

Conclusions:

  • Altered cellular crosstalk in the tubulo-interstitial microenvironment is a significant driver of renal fibrosis and CKD progression.
  • Further research into these cellular mechanisms could reveal new therapeutic targets for CKD.
  • Understanding epithelial-mesenchymal interactions is crucial for combating the epidemic of kidney disease.

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