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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
16:15
Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
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Non-invasive messenger RNA transcriptional evaluation in human kidney allograft dysfunction
G Joelsons1, T Domenico1, L F Gonçalves1
1Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
Summary
Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TIM-3 and perforin genes are elevated in kidney transplant recipients experiencing acute rejection. Gene expression profiling may help rule out rejection and assess treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Acute rejection remains a significant challenge in kidney transplantation, impacting graft survival.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of acute rejection is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of TIM-3 and perforin genes in kidney allograft recipients.
- To determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of these gene markers in acute kidney transplant rejection.
Main Methods:
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of peripheral blood samples from 44 kidney transplant recipients up to three months post-transplant.
- Sequential blood draws and kidney biopsies interpreted using the Banff classification to assess acute graft dysfunction and rejection.
Main Results:
- Recipients with acute rejection exhibited significantly higher TIM-3 and perforin mRNA levels compared to those without rejection (P<0.0001 and P<0.001, respectively).
- TIM-3 and perforin gene expression showed areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.749 and 0.699, respectively, indicating diagnostic potential.
- Combined gene expression analysis achieved 76.8% accuracy and high negative predictive values (95.3-95.5%) for ruling out rejection.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal evaluation of TIM-3 and perforin mRNA expression can aid in diagnosing acute kidney transplant rejection.
- Gene profiling may be a valuable tool for assessing the efficacy of rejection treatment, with significant decreases observed post-treatment.
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