Proteomics and transcriptomics profiling reveals distinct aspects of kidney stone related genes in calculi rats

Wang Zhu1, Deng Qiong1, Gu Yanli2

  • 1Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Longhua Shenzhen, Southern Medical University, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518109, People's Republic of China.

BMC Genomics
|March 18, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reveals key gene expression changes in kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) using proteomic and transcriptomic analysis. Findings offer insights into disease mechanisms and potential prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics and Proteomics
  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Kidney stones (urolithiasis/nephrolithiasis) are ancient but their molecular underpinnings remain poorly understood.
  • Gene expression changes and associated kidney injury mechanisms require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize distinct gene expression profiles in kidney stones using integrated analysis.
  • To identify key molecular pathways involved in nephrolithiasis pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a rat model of kidney stones induced by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride.
  • Performed integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
  • Utilized Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis for functional enrichment and immunohistochemistry for validation.

Main Results:

  • Quantified 5,897 genes at both transcriptome and proteome levels, identifying six gene clusters with 14 consistently dysregulated genes.
  • Observed increased expression of injury/apoptotic markers and immune molecules.
  • Noted decreased expression of solute carriers, transporters, and metabolic factors in calculi rat kidneys.

Conclusions:

  • The proteotranscriptomic data provides a valuable resource for understanding nephrolithiasis.
  • Findings offer new insights into the pathogenesis of kidney stone disease.
  • This research may facilitate the development of novel strategies for kidney stone recurrence prevention and treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management01:30

Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management

The diagnosis of renal calculi involves several imaging techniques, including non-contrast CT scans and ultrasound. These methods help visualize kidney stones, assess their size and location, and detect possible obstructions. Additionally, Measuring urine pH is useful for diagnosing specific stone types, such as struvite (alkaline pH) and uric acid stones (acidic pH). Cystine stones are primarily linked to cystinuria, a genetic condition. A urinalysis helps detect blood in the urine (hematuria)...
11
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction01:28

Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction

Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are solid deposits of minerals and salts formed inside the kidneys. In medical terminology, "calculus" refers to the stone itself, while "lithiasis" describes the process of stone formation. Depending on their location within the urinary system, these stones may be classified as either urolithiasis, when situated within the urinary tract, or nephrolithiasis, when located within the kidneys. Each term signifies the specific impact of the stone.Predisposition...
21
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:26

Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
21
Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention01:27

Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention

Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...
17
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management01:25

Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
14
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
32