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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Direct Drug Delivery to Kidney via the Renal Artery
Published on: April 17, 2021
CD39-adenosinergic axis in renal pathophysiology and therapeutics
Bellamkonda K Kishore1,2, Simon C Robson3, Karen M Dwyer4
1Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition & Integrative Physiology, and Center on Aging, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. BK.Kishore@hsc.utah.edu.
The CD39-adenosinergic axis, regulating extracellular ATP and adenosine, is crucial for kidney function and disease. Understanding this axis offers new therapeutic avenues for renal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Renal Physiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Extracellular ATP and adenosine signaling via P2 and P1 receptors, respectively, regulate vital biological functions.
- The CD39-adenosinergic axis, comprising CD39 and CD73 enzymes, controls the balance between extracellular ATP and adenosine.
- Dysregulation of this axis is implicated in various renal pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the CD39-adenosinergic axis's roles in renal physiology and pathophysiology.
- To highlight recent scientific advances and their implications for therapeutic development in kidney diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and recent studies.
- Analysis of data from gene knockout/transgenic mouse models.
- Examination of findings from studies using enzyme inhibitors and engineered ectonucleotidases.
Main Results:
- The CD39-adenosinergic axis is pivotal in water/sodium transport, tubuloglomerular feedback, and renin secretion.
- This axis significantly influences ischemia reperfusion injury, renal fibrosis, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy.
- Its roles extend to renal transplantation, inflammation, and macrophage polarization.
Conclusions:
- The CD39-adenosinergic axis is a key regulator of renal health and disease.
- Advances in understanding this axis provide a foundation for developing novel therapies for kidney disorders.
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