New tools to combat kidney fibrosis

kidney
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Interstitial fibrosis – excessive tissue scarring – contributes to chronic kidney disease, which is increasing in prevalence in the United States.

Raymond Harris, M.D., and colleagues have previously implicated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and kidney fibrosis, but the role of sustained EGFR activation in the renal tubule (a specific region of the kidney) is unknown.

The investigators have now developed a mouse model of persistent EGFR activation in epithelial cells of the renal proximal tubule.

They demonstrated that the mice develop spontaneous, progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis, characterized by epithelial cell dedifferentiation (loss of "mature" identity), increased numbers of myofibroblasts and immune cells, and increased matrix deposition. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of EGFR activity reduced fibrosis.

The study, reported in the October issue of The FASEB Journal, shows that sustained EGFR activation in the kidney causes . The provides a platform to identify novel targets and treatment strategies to combat fibrosis.

More information: Jessica M. Overstreet et al. Selective activation of epidermal growth factor receptor in renal proximal tubule induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis, The FASEB Journal (2017). DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601359RR

Journal information: FASEB Journal
Citation: New tools to combat kidney fibrosis (2017, October 16) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-10-tools-combat-kidney-fibrosis.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Identification of a driver of fibrosis in chronic kidney disease

87 shares

Feedback to editors