Renoprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects of GDF15 following AKI Invoked by Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Background: encodes a TGF- superfamily member that is rapidly activated in response to stress in multiple organ systems, including the kidney. However, there has been a lack of information about activity and effects in normal kidney and in AKI.

Methods: We used genome editing to generate a mouse line, removing at the targeted allele, and enabling direct visualization and genetic modification of -expressing cells. We extensively mapped expression in the normal kidney and following bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and quantified and compared renal responses to ischemia-reperfusion injury in the presence and absence of GDF15. In addition, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphism association data for GDF15 for associations with patient kidney transplant outcomes.

Results: is normally expressed within aquaporin 1-positive cells of the S3 segment of the proximal tubule, aquaporin 1-negative cells of the thin descending limb of the loop of Henle, and principal cells of the collecting system. is rapidly upregulated within a few hours of bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury at these sites and new sites of proximal tubule injury. Deficiency of exacerbated acute tubular injury and enhanced inflammatory responses. Analysis of clinical transplantation data linked low circulating levels of GDF15 to an increased incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection.

Conclusions: contributes to an early acting, renoprotective injury response, modifying immune cell actions. The data support further investigation in clinical model systems of the potential benefit from GDF15 administration in situations in which some level of tubular injury is inevitable, such as following a kidney transplant.