Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis
04:37

Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis

Published on: April 25, 2025

1.1K

Twist1: A Double-Edged Sword in Kidney Diseases

Jiafa Ren1, Steven D Crowley1

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Kidney Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 9, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Twist1, a transcription factor, plays a key role in kidney disease development. Understanding its function in renal disorders may lead to new treatments for kidney injury.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Nephrology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Twist1 is a transcription factor regulating cell functions like differentiation, migration, and inflammation.
  • Twist1 controls numerous downstream target genes.
  • Twist2 is a homologous protein with similar structures and functions to Twist1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Twist1 in kidney disorders.
  • To highlight the functions of Twist1 in renal disease pathogenesis.
  • To introduce the role of Twist2 where relevant.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of Twist1's persistent activation in renal insults.
  • Examination of Twist1's contribution to renal inflammatory responses.

Main Results:

  • Twist1 is persistently activated after kidney injury, especially in chronic kidney diseases.
  • Twist1 contributes to renal inflammation and tubular cell transformation.
  • Twist1 may also be involved in fibroblast activation, promoting kidney disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • Twist1 is a critical regulator in various renal diseases.
  • Understanding Twist1's role is crucial for developing new kidney injury therapeutics.
  • Further research into Twist1's mechanisms can advance treatment strategies for kidney disorders.
Keywords:
Chronic kidney diseaseSignaling transductionTwist1

More Related Videos

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium08:46

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium

Published on: September 1, 2015

10.1K
Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection10:15

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection

Published on: November 10, 2021

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Nephrons01:10

Nephrons

The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
5.7K
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
410
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
405
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
637
Kidney Structure01:45

Kidney Structure

The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
73.8K
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
207