A human tissue-based model of renal inflammation.

Inflammation plays a key role in both the onset and progression of various kidney diseases. However, the specific molecular and cellular mechanisms by which inflammation drives kidney diseases from different etiologies remain to be elucidated. To enhance our understanding of these mechanisms, a reliable and translational human model of renal inflammation is needed.

Pharmacological modulation of transglutaminase 2 in the unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model.

Background: Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in fibrosis by promoting transforming-growth-factor-β1 and crosslinking of extracellular matrix proteins. These functions are dependent on the open conformation, while the closed state of TG2 can induce vasodilation. We explored the putative protective role of TG2 in its closed state on development of renal fibrosis and blood pressure (BP) regulation.

Recovery of Water Homeostasis in Adenine-Induced Kidney Disease Is Mediated by Increased AQP2 Membrane Targeting.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major public health burden with increasing prevalence. Current therapies focus on delaying CKD progression, underscoring the need for innovative treatments. This necessitates animal models that accurately reflect human kidney pathologies, particularly for studying potential reversibility and regenerative mechanisms, which are often hindered by the progressive and irreversible nature of most CKD models.

Regulation of renal aquaporin water channels in acute pyelonephritis.

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is most frequently caused by uropathogenic (UPEC), which ascends from the bladder to the kidneys during a urinary tract infection. Patients with APN have been reported to have reduced renal concentration capacity under challenged conditions, polyuria, and increased aquaporin-2 (AQP2) excretion in the urine. We have recently shown increased AQP2 accumulation in the plasma membrane in cell cultures exposed to lysates and in the apical plasma membrane of inner medullary collecting ducts in a 5-day APN mouse model.