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Physiological Reports Dec 2023Transmembrane protein 14A (TMEM14A) is a relatively unknown protein that is now identified to be required for maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration...
Transmembrane protein 14A (TMEM14A) is a relatively unknown protein that is now identified to be required for maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. It is an integral transmembrane protein of 99 amino acids with three transmembrane domains. TMEM14A has been implied to suppress Bax-mediated apoptosis in other studies. Other than that, little is currently known of its function. Here, we show that its expression is diminished before onset of proteinuria in a spontaneously proteinuric rat model. Knocking down tmem14a mRNA translation results in proteinuria in zebrafish embryos without affecting tubular reabsorption. Also, it is primarily expressed by podocytes. Lastly, an increase in glomerular TMEM14A expression is exhibited in various proteinuric renal diseases. Overall, these results suggest that TMEM14A is a novel factor in the protective mechanisms of the nephron to maintain glomerular filtration barrier integrity.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Glomerular Filtration Barrier; Kidney Glomerulus; Podocytes; Proteinuria; Zebrafish; Membrane Proteins; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
PubMed: 38054547
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15847 -
Heliyon Nov 2023In the renal collecting ducts, chloride reabsorption occurs through both transcellular and paracellular pathways. Recent literature highlights a functional interplay...
In the renal collecting ducts, chloride reabsorption occurs through both transcellular and paracellular pathways. Recent literature highlights a functional interplay between both pathways. We recently showed that in polarized inner medullary collecting duct cells, expression of the basolateral kidney anion exchanger 1 (kAE1) results in a decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), in a claudin-4 dependent pathway. Claudin-4 is a paracellular sodium blocker and chloride pore. Here, we show that kAE1 expression in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells triggers WNK4, SPAK and claudin-4 phosphorylation. Expression of a functionally dead kAE1 E681Q mutant has no effect on phosphorylation of these proteins. Expression of a catalytically inactive WNK4 D321A or chloride-insensitive WNK4 L319F mutant abolishes kAE1 effect on TEER, supporting a contribution of WNK4 to the process. We propose that variations of the cytosolic pH and chloride concentration upon kAE1 expression alter WNK4 kinase activity and tight junction properties.
PubMed: 38034706
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22280 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2023The kidney is the key organ responsible for maintaining the body's water and electrolyte homeostasis. About 99% of the primary urine filtered from the Bowman's capsule... (Review)
Review
The kidney is the key organ responsible for maintaining the body's water and electrolyte homeostasis. About 99% of the primary urine filtered from the Bowman's capsule is reabsorbed along various renal tubules every day, with only 1-2 L of urine excreted. Aquaporins (AQPs) play a vital role in water reabsorption in the kidney. Currently, a variety of molecules are found to be involved in the process of urine concentration by regulating the expression or activity of AQPs, such as antidiuretic hormone, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), prostaglandin, and several nuclear receptors. As the main bile acid receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and membrane G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) play important roles in bile acid, glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. In the kidney, FXR and TGR5 exhibit broad expression across all segments of renal tubules, and their activation holds significant therapeutic potential for numerous acute and chronic kidney diseases through alleviating renal lipid accumulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that the genetic deletion of FXR or TGR5 exhibits increased basal urine output, suggesting that bile acid receptors play a critical role in urine concentration. Here, we briefly summarize the function of bile acid receptors in renal water reabsorption and urine concentration.
PubMed: 38033333
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1322288 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Jan 2023Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and thiol antioxidant found in high amounts in mushrooms and fermented foods. Humans and animals acquire ergothioneine... (Review)
Review
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and thiol antioxidant found in high amounts in mushrooms and fermented foods. Humans and animals acquire ergothioneine from the diet through the pH-dependent activity of a membrane transporter, the large solute carrier 22A member 4 (SLC22A4), expressed on the apical membrane of the small intestine. The SLC22A4 transporter also functions in the renal reabsorption of ergothioneine in the kidney, with avid absorption and retention of ergothioneine from the diet observed in both animals and humans. Ergothioneine is capable of scavenging a diverse range of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, has metal chelation properties, and is predicted to directly regulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Although not lethal, the genetic knockout of the SLC22A4 gene in multiple organisms increases susceptibility to oxidative stress, damage and inflammation; in agreement with a large body of preclinical data suggesting the physiological function of ergothioneine is as a cellular antioxidant and cytoprotectant agent. In humans, blood levels of ergothioneine decline after the age of 60 years, and lower levels of ergothioneine are associated with more rapid cognitive decline. Conversely, high plasma ergothioneine levels have been associated with significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality and overall mortality risks. In this horizon’s manuscript, we review evidence suggesting critical roles for dietary ergothioneine in healthy ageing and the prevention of cardiometabolic disease. We comment on some of the outstanding research questions in the field and consider the question of whether or not ergothioneine should be considered a conditionally essential micronutrient.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Middle Aged; Ergothioneine; Antioxidants; Healthy Aging; Organic Cation Transport Proteins; Symporters; Diet
PubMed: 38018890
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522003592 -
Annual Review of Physiology Feb 2024The kidney proximal tubule is a key organ for human metabolism. The kidney responds to stress with altered metabolite transformation and perturbed metabolic pathways, an... (Review)
Review
The kidney proximal tubule is a key organ for human metabolism. The kidney responds to stress with altered metabolite transformation and perturbed metabolic pathways, an ultimate cause for kidney disease. Here, we review the proximal tubule's metabolic function through an integrative view of transport, metabolism, and function, and embed it in the context of metabolome-wide data-driven research. Function (filtration, transport, secretion, and reabsorption), metabolite transformation, and metabolite signaling determine kidney metabolic rewiring in disease. Energy metabolism and substrates for key metabolic pathways are orchestrated by metabolite sensors. Given the importance of renal function for the inner milieu, we also review metabolic communication routes with other organs. Exciting research opportunities exist to understand metabolic perturbation of kidney and proximal tubule function, for example, in hypertension-associated kidney disease. We argue that, based on the integrative view outlined here, kidney diseases without genetic cause should be approached scientifically as metabolic diseases.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Kidney; Energy Metabolism; Kidney Diseases
PubMed: 38012048
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-024724 -
Annual Review of Physiology Feb 2024Mitochondria play a key role in kidney physiology and pathology. They produce ATP to fuel energy-demanding water and solute reabsorption processes along the nephron.... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria play a key role in kidney physiology and pathology. They produce ATP to fuel energy-demanding water and solute reabsorption processes along the nephron. Moreover, mitochondria contribute to cellular health by the regulation of autophagy, (oxidative) stress responses, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial abundance is particularly high in cortical segments, including proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Dysfunction of the mitochondria has been described for tubulopathies such as Fanconi, Gitelman, and Bartter-like syndromes and renal tubular acidosis. In addition, mitochondrial cytopathies often affect renal (tubular) tissues, such as in Kearns-Sayre and Leigh syndromes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction results in renal tubular diseases are only scarcely being explored. This review provides an overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development and progression of kidney tubulopathies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further mechanistic investigations to identify links between mitochondrial function and renal electrolyte reabsorption.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Tubules; Bartter Syndrome; Kearns-Sayre Syndrome; Kidney Diseases; Mitochondria
PubMed: 38012047
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-025000 -
Kidney360 Jan 2024The renal Na-K-2Cl and Na-Cl cotransporters are the major salt reabsorption pathways in the thick ascending limb of Henle loop and the distal convoluted tubule,...
The renal Na-K-2Cl and Na-Cl cotransporters are the major salt reabsorption pathways in the thick ascending limb of Henle loop and the distal convoluted tubule, respectively. These transporters are the target of the loop and thiazide type diuretics extensively used in the world for the treatment of edematous states and arterial hypertension. The diuretics appeared in the market many years before the salt transport systems were discovered. The evolving of the knowledge and the cloning of the genes encoding the Na-K-2Cl and Na-Cl cotransporters were possible thanks to the study of marine species. This work presents the history of how we came to know the mechanisms for the loop and thiazide type diuretics actions, the use of marine species in the cloning process of these cotransporters and therefore in the whole solute carrier cotransproters 12 (SLC12) family of electroneutral cation chloride cotransporters, and the disease associated with each member of the family.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Cations; Chlorides; Diuretics; Kidney Tubules, Distal; Sodium; Sodium Chloride; Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters; Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 3; Thiazides; Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 1
PubMed: 37968800
DOI: 10.34067/KID.0000000000000307 -
PLoS Genetics Nov 2023Bartter syndrome is a group of rare genetic disorders that compromise kidney function by impairing electrolyte reabsorption. Left untreated, the resulting hyponatremia,...
Bartter syndrome is a group of rare genetic disorders that compromise kidney function by impairing electrolyte reabsorption. Left untreated, the resulting hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and dehydration can be fatal, and there is currently no cure. Bartter syndrome type II specifically arises from mutations in KCNJ1, which encodes the renal outer medullary potassium channel, ROMK. Over 40 Bartter syndrome-associated mutations in KCNJ1 have been identified, yet their molecular defects are mostly uncharacterized. Nevertheless, a subset of disease-linked mutations compromise ROMK folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which in turn results in premature degradation via the ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. To identify uncharacterized human variants that might similarly lead to premature degradation and thus disease, we mined three genomic databases. First, phenotypic data in the UK Biobank were analyzed using a recently developed computational platform to identify individuals carrying KCNJ1 variants with clinical features consistent with Bartter syndrome type II. In parallel, we examined genomic data in both the NIH TOPMed and ClinVar databases with the aid of Rhapsody, a verified computational algorithm that predicts mutation pathogenicity and disease severity. Subsequent phenotypic studies using a yeast screen to assess ROMK function-and analyses of ROMK biogenesis in yeast and human cells-identified four previously uncharacterized mutations. Among these, one mutation uncovered from the two parallel approaches (G228E) destabilized ROMK and targeted it for ERAD, resulting in reduced cell surface expression. Another mutation (T300R) was ERAD-resistant, but defects in channel activity were apparent based on two-electrode voltage clamp measurements in X. laevis oocytes. Together, our results outline a new computational and experimental pipeline that can be applied to identify disease-associated alleles linked to a range of other potassium channels, and further our understanding of the ROMK structure-function relationship that may aid future therapeutic strategies to advance precision medicine.
Topics: Humans; Bartter Syndrome; Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation; Mutation; Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Computational Biology; Databases, Genetic
PubMed: 37956218
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011051 -
JCEM Case Reports Nov 2023X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), resulting in renal phosphate wasting and...
X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), resulting in renal phosphate wasting and inadequate bone mineralization. Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits FGF23 activity, has shown promise in improving renal phosphate reabsorption and clinical outcomes in XLH patients. However, the potential side effects of burosumab, particularly its impact on immune function and susceptibility to infections, remain a subject of concern. In this case report, we describe a 57-year-old male individual with XLH who experienced recurrent soft tissue infections while receiving burosumab therapy. The infections included an olecranon abscess, a cervical retropharyngeal phlegmon with a sternocleidomastoid abscess, and suprapubic cellulitis, all of which were treated with antibiotic therapy. Following discontinuation of burosumab therapy, the patient did not experience further soft tissue infections. These observations suggest a potential association between burosumab therapy and an increased risk of soft tissue infections. Mechanistically, disruption of the FGF23-Klotho signaling axis may lead to impaired humoral immunity mediated by B lymphocytes and compromised innate immune response mediated by macrophages. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the immunological effects of burosumab and its implications for infectious complications in XLH patients.
PubMed: 37954837
DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luad120 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2023We investigated the efficacy and safety of dotinurad, a selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, in hyperuricemic patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD)...
The Efficacy and Safety of Dotinurad on Uric Acid and Renal Function in Patients with Hyperuricemia and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single Center, Retrospective Analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the efficacy and safety of dotinurad, a selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, in hyperuricemic patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) (stage G3-5).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 34 patients (mean age, 68.6 ± 13.3 years; 17 men and 17 women) after 12 months of dotinurad treatment based on the changes in uric acid (UA) and the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) plus the annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Hyperuricemia (UA ≥6.0 mg/dL) and advanced CKD (mean eGFR: 32.0 ± 13.3 mL/min/1.73m; stage G3, n=17; G4, n=13; G5, n=4) were present in all of the patients. The cases of 34 matched individuals with similar propensity scores (who were not taking dotinurad) were analyzed as a control group.
RESULTS
UA values decreased significantly in the dotinurad group (7.1 ± 0.8 mg/dL to 5.9 ± 1.0 mg/dL, p<0.05) but those did not change in the control group. UPCR did not change in either group. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol also decreased significantly in the dotinurad group (98.8 ± 43.4 mg/dL to 82.9 ± 33.1 mg/dL, p<0.05). With the 12-month dotinurad treatment, the annual change in the patients' eGFR was significantly improved from -6.0 ± 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m/year to -0.9 ± 4.6 mL/min/1.73 m/year (p<0.05), but there was no change in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Dotinurad can decrease UA levels and might attenuate renal function decline in individuals with hyperuricemia and advanced CKD.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Hyperuricemia; Uric Acid; Retrospective Studies; Uricosuric Agents; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Kidney
PubMed: 37941891
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S416025