Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
08:53
Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
45.7K
An RNA interference screen identifies new avenues for nephroprotection
E R Zynda1, B Schott2, M Babagana1
1Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
Cell Death and Differentiation
|November 14, 2015
Summary
Researchers identified key genes that protect kidney cells from injury and improve survival. Targeting these genes, like TACR1, offers new therapeutic strategies for acute kidney injury and cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant health concern, often resulting from renal ischemia.
- Current treatments for AKI are limited, leading to high mortality and long-term disability.
- Nephrotoxicity from cisplatin limits its use as an anticancer agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes that enhance kidney epithelial cell survival under stress conditions.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for AKI and cisplatin-induced kidney damage.
- To investigate the role of specific genes in cellular stress response mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an RNA interference (RNAi) screen to identify protective genes.
- Tested gene suppression effects on kidney epithelial cells under oxygen and glucose deprivation.
- Assessed the impact of identified genes on cisplatin toxicity in vitro.
- Validated findings using pharmacological inhibition in a mouse model of renal ischemia.
Main Results:
- Identified ten genes (BCL2L14, BLOC1S2, C2ORF42, CPT1A, FBP1, GCNT3, RHOB, SCIN, TACR1, and TNFAIP6) whose suppression improved cell survival.
- Demonstrated that suppression of some genes also reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Showed that pharmacological inhibition of TACR1 (NK1R) provided protection in a mouse model of renal ischemia.
Conclusions:
- Gene suppression strategies can enhance kidney cell resilience to ischemic and toxic injury.
- TACR1 and its product NK1R represent a promising therapeutic target for AKI.
- Findings provide novel insights into cellular stress responses and potential AKI treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
487
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...
487
02:46Genetic Screens
5.9K
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
5.9K
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
621
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
621
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
463
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
463
01:25Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
1.8K
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
1.8K
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
1.4K
The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
1.4K