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ALK7 Knockdown Plays a Protective Role on HG-Stimulated MCs through Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Shan Gao1, Guifu Wu1, Hui Li1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China.

Disease Markers
|October 6, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Knocking down Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) protects kidney cells from high glucose damage by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. This suggests ALK7 is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) plays a role in diabetes.
  • The specific role of ALK7 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of ALK7 on mesangial cells (MCs) under high glucose conditions.
  • To explore ALK7 as a potential therapeutic target for DN.

Main Methods:

  • MCs were transfected with si-ALK7 or pcDNA3.0-ALK7.
  • Cells were stimulated with high glucose (HG).
  • Assays included MTT, DCFH-DA staining, ELISA, and Western blot to assess proliferation, ROS, inflammatory cytokines, and protein expression (FN, Col IV, Nrf2, HO-1).

Main Results:

  • HG induced ALK7 expression in MCs.
  • ALK7 knockdown inhibited HG-induced proliferation, ROS production, and inflammatory cytokine release.
  • ALK7 knockdown reduced fibronectin and collagen IV expression.
  • ALK7 knockdown enhanced the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and Nrf2 inhibition reversed these protective effects.

Conclusions:

  • ALK7 knockdown protects MCs from HG-induced damage via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
  • Targeting ALK7 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy.

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