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Updated: Oct 25, 2025
09:43
Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
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YAP1 Overexpression Is Associated with Kidney Dysfunction in Lupus Nephritis
Ying Xie1,2, Yuanyuan Ruan1,2, Huimei Zou1,2,3
1Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
Summary
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is elevated in lupus nephritis (LN) kidney tissues and promotes renal fibrosis by driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). YAP1 inhibition may offer a therapeutic strategy for LN.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe autoimmune disease characterized by kidney inflammation and fibrosis.
- The precise molecular mechanisms driving renal fibrosis in LN require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in mouse models of LN.
- To determine the role of YAP1 in the progression of renal fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in LN.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of renal tissues from C57BL/6 and MRL/lpr mice using histological staining and molecular detection of YAP1 and fibronectin (FN).
- In vitro experiments involving cultured mouse renal epithelial cells stimulated with lupus serum and treated with YAP1 silencing (siRNA-YAP1).
- Assessment of renal function markers (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein) and their correlation with YAP1 expression.
Main Results:
- MRL/lpr mice displayed significant renal fibrosis and elevated YAP1 expression compared to C57BL/6 controls.
- YAP1 mRNA levels positively correlated with fibronectin (FN) mRNA levels and markers of renal dysfunction.
- YAP1 silencing effectively attenuated serum-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal cells.
Conclusions:
- YAP1 is upregulated in the kidneys of mice with lupus nephritis.
- YAP1 plays a crucial role in promoting renal fibrosis and EMT in LN, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.
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