Gene expression changes induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice
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Updated: May 20, 2026
Quantitative Real-Time PCR Evaluation of microRNA Expressions in Mouse Kidney with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Published on: August 27, 2020
1Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5118, USA.
Purpose:
Loss of renal function is often the impetus for operative intervention in renal obstruction cases. Obstructive nephropathy is characterized by discrete morphological and physiological changes, including tubular dilatation, apoptosis and atrophy as well as interstitial cellular infiltration and progressive interstitial fibrosis. We hypothesized that gene expression alterations correlate with obstructive nephropathy and could serve as biomarkers for early intervention.
Materials And Methods:
C57BL/6 mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction or sham surgery at postnatal day 21. Kidneys were harvested 1, 2, 5 and 9 days postoperatively. RNA was extracted from kidneys and comprehensive gene expression profiling was performed with microarrays. IPA® pathway analysis software was used to analyze the biological function and gene networks of gene expression data.
Results:
Microarray analysis revealed more than 1,800 transcripts that were up-regulated or down-regulated during days 1 through 9 after obstruction, including many previously reported transcripts (FOS, CD44, CLU, SPP1 and EGF). Pathway analysis showed significant enrichment of transcripts in cell activation/differentiation, immune/inflammatory responses, cell cycle, metabolic process and transport. Network analysis using IPA showed that transcriptional regulatory pathways involving CEBPB and HNF4A are involved in obstructive nephropathy.
Conclusions:
This data set provides a foundation for development of biomarkers for obstructive nephropathy.
Insights
Gene expression changes in obstructive nephropathy can indicate kidney damage. This study identified over 1,800 altered transcripts, offering potential biomarkers for early detection and intervention in kidney obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Obstructive nephropathy involves kidney damage, including tubular changes and fibrosis.
- Early intervention is crucial, but reliable biomarkers are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression alterations in obstructive nephropathy.
- To identify potential biomarkers for early detection of kidney damage.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral ureteral obstruction was induced in mice.
- Comprehensive gene expression profiling using microarrays was performed.
- Pathway and network analyses were conducted using IPA software.
Main Results:
- Over 1,800 transcripts were altered within 9 days of obstruction.
- Enriched pathways included immune response, cell cycle, and metabolism.
- CEBPB and HNF4A regulatory pathways were implicated.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression profiling reveals key molecular changes in obstructive nephropathy.
- This dataset can aid in developing novel biomarkers for early intervention.
