Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Precise Cellular Ablation Approach for Modeling Acute Kidney Injury in Developing Zebrafish
Published on: June 3, 2017
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Kidney Toxicity
Lillie Marie A Barnett1, Brian S Cummings2
1Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Abstract:
Toxicant-induced acute kidney injury is responsible for millions of deaths each year. An underlying cause of toxicant-induced acute kidney injury is renal cell death. As such, understanding the mechanisms by which toxicants cause renal cell death can aid the development of targeted therapies for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Accordingly, this article focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity. This article describes specific factors that make the kidney vulnerable to toxicants. Selective transporters and enzymes that are involved in toxicant uptake and metabolism in kidney cells, respectively, are highlighted. The role of reactive oxygen species in nephrotoxicity is discussed, followed by a review of the types of cell death pathways induced in renal cells after toxicant exposure, with a particular emphasis on the role of signaling pathways. Roles for the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus in renal cell death signaling pathways are discussed, and current challenges in the field are reviewed.
Insights
Toxicants cause kidney damage through renal cell death. Understanding these mechanisms aids in developing targeted therapies for preventing and treating kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) from toxicants causes millions of deaths annually.
- Renal cell death is a primary mechanism underlying toxicant-induced AKI.
- Targeted therapies for kidney disease require understanding nephrotoxicity mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cellular and molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity.
- To highlight factors contributing to kidney vulnerability to toxicants.
- To discuss cell death pathways and signaling in renal cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nephrotoxicity mechanisms.
- Focus on selective transporters and enzymes in kidney cells.
- Discussion of reactive oxygen species, cell death pathways, and signaling.
Main Results:
- Kidney vulnerability is influenced by specific transporters and metabolic enzymes.
- Reactive oxygen species play a significant role in nephrotoxicity.
- Mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus are key in renal cell death signaling.
Conclusions:
- Understanding molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity is crucial for therapeutic development.
- Signaling pathways involving organelles are central to toxicant-induced renal cell death.
- Further research is needed to address current challenges in the field.
Related Concept Videos
01:45Kidney Structure
03:06Reaction Mechanisms
For instance, the decomposition of ozone appears to follow a mechanism with two steps:
02:00Molecular Models
01:26Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
03:51Molecular Orbital Theory II
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...