Single-Cell Dissection of the Biological Function and Molecular Features Underlying the Micropeptide LSMEM1 in Kidney

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Nephrology

Background:

• Short open reading frames (sORFs) encode functional micropeptides.
• Leucine rich single-pass membrane protein 1 (LSMEM1) is upregulated in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Purpose of the Study:

• Elucidate the molecular structure and function of LSMEM1.
• Investigate LSMEM1's role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, particularly CKD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) in Lsmem1 knockout mice.
• Conducted experiments to verify biological processes in physiological and disease states.

Main Results:

• LSMEM1 is linked to cell injury, inflammation, and lipid metabolism.
• LSMEM1 significantly delays CKD progression by regulating lipid droplet accumulation in proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

• LSMEM1 plays a critical role in mitigating CKD progression.
• LSMEM1 represents a potential novel therapeutic target for CKD.