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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Hyperglycemic Stress Impairs the Stemness Capacity of Kidney Stem Cells in Rats
Guang Yang1, Yali Jia2, Chunlin Li3
1Department of Geriatric Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The incidence of acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes is significantly higher than that of patients without diabetes, and may be associated with the poor stemness capacity of kidney stem cells (KSCs) and limited recovery of injured renal tubules. To investigate the effects of hyperglycemic stress on KSC stemness, KSCs were isolated from the rat renal papilla and analyzed for their self-renewal and differentiation abilities. Our results showed that isolated KSCs expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers N-cadherin, Nestin, CD133, CD29, CD90, and CD73. Moreover, KSCs co-cultured with hypoxia-injured renal tubular epithelial cell (RTECs) induced the expression of the mature epithelial cell marker CK18, suggesting that the KSCs could differentiate into RTECs in vitro. However, KSC proliferation, differentiation ability and tolerance to hypoxia were decreased in high-glucose cultures. Taken together, these results suggest the high-glucose microenvironment can damage the reparative ability of KSCs. It may result in a decreased of recovery capability of renal tubules from injury.
Insights
High glucose levels impair kidney stem cells (KSCs), reducing their ability to repair damaged kidney tubules. This damage contributes to the higher incidence of acute kidney injury in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic patients exhibit a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI).
- Poor stemness capacity of kidney stem cells (KSCs) and limited renal tubule recovery may contribute to AKI in diabetes.
- Hyperglycemic stress is a potential factor affecting KSC function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hyperglycemic stress on the stemness of KSCs.
- To analyze the self-renewal and differentiation capabilities of KSCs under high-glucose conditions.
Main Methods:
- KSCs were isolated from rat renal papilla.
- KSCs were analyzed for self-renewal and differentiation potential.
- KSCs were cultured in high-glucose conditions and co-cultured with hypoxia-injured renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs).
Main Results:
- Isolated KSCs expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers (N-cadherin, Nestin, CD133, CD29, CD90, CD73).
- KSCs differentiated into RTECs in vitro, indicated by CK18 expression.
- High-glucose cultures reduced KSC proliferation, differentiation ability, and hypoxia tolerance.
Conclusions:
- A high-glucose microenvironment damages the reparative capacity of KSCs.
- Impaired KSC function may lead to decreased recovery of renal tubules from injury in diabetic individuals.
