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Epigenetic Modification Drives Acute Kidney Injury-to-Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

Zhenzhen Li1, Ningning Li2

  • 1Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Nephron
|August 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, are crucial in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Targeting these epigenetic changes offers potential therapeutic strategies for preventing kidney fibrosis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical condition with high morbidity and mortality.
  • Kidney damage from AKI often leads to incomplete repair and chronic kidney disease (CKD), even after serum creatinine normalizes.
  • The mechanisms driving the transition from AKI to CKD remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic modifications in the progression of AKI to CKD.
  • To explore the diagnostic potential of epigenetic biomarkers for AKI's chronic outcomes.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting epigenetic modifications for AKI-to-CKD prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in kidney injury.
  • Analysis of studies investigating histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs in AKI-to-CKD.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of hypoxia-induced epigenetic alterations.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications, influenced by hypoxia, promote inflammatory gene expression and collagen secretion.
  • Specific epigenetic alterations are implicated in the persistent renal structural damage following AKI.
  • Epigenetic biomarkers show promise for predicting the long-term consequences of AKI.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modifications are key players in the AKI-to-CKD transition.
  • Epigenetic biomarkers may aid in diagnosing and predicting chronic kidney outcomes after AKI.
  • Targeting epigenetic pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue to prevent renal fibrosis and CKD progression.
Keywords:
Acute kidney injuryChronic kidney diseaseDNA methylationEpigenetic modificationsHistone modifications

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