Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
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Analysis of Minerals Produced by hFOB 1.19 and Saos-2 Cells Using Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis
Published on: June 24, 2018
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Organic Matrix Derived from Host-Microbe Interplay Contributes to Pathological Renal Biomineralization
Yushi Bai1, Yongmei Wang1, Misun Kang1
1Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States.
ACS Nanoscience Au
|August 21, 2023
Summary
Matrix stones, a rare kidney stone type, form from organic matter and infections. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and immune proteins contribute to their structure, highlighting a dual role of the immune response in kidney stone formation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Matrix stones are rare kidney stones characterized by significant hydrogel-like organic matter.
- Their formation is strongly linked to urinary tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the organic-inorganic interface in matrix stones.
- To understand the host-microbe interactions in pathological renal biomineralization.
Main Methods:
- Micro-X-ray computed tomography and microspectroscopy were used to analyze surgically extracted matrix stones.
- Biochemical assays identified organic components and immune markers.
Main Results:
- Matrix stones contain polysaccharide-rich organic filamentous networks with zinc, carbon, and sulfur.
- These networks were found to contain Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) and immune proteins like calprotectin.
- Evidence suggests NETs and mucin secretion are part of an immune defense mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Host immune responses, including NETs, contribute to matrix stone formation by trapping pathogens.
- The organic matrix derived from host-microbe interactions facilitates the nucleation and precipitation of inorganic components.
- This process illustrates the complex role of the immune system in forming renal biominerals.
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