Functional Role of ALKBH5 in Kidney Injury: Insights Into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

ALKBH5, as an m6A demethylase, plays a crucial regulatory role in various kidney diseases such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, renal fibrosis and renal cell carcinoma. However, its function often exhibits contradictory effects: In renal fibrosis, ALKBH5 has been reported to both promote and suppress fibrogenesis, whereas in renal cell carcinoma most studies support an oncogenic role, but some clinical observations link ALKBH5 downregulation to poor prognosis. These contradictions may stem from differences in cell types, disease stages, and microenvironments. This manuscript systematically reviews the complex function of ALKBH5 in kidney diseases and its underlying mechanisms, explores its potential as a therapeutic target, evaluates its therapeutic potential, and highlights the need for cell- and pathology-specific strategies to enable precise intervention. Future research should focus on its cell and pathological background specificity to achieve precise intervention.