| Theme |
Genome medicine and novel therapeutic targets of kidney diseases |
| Title |
Development of megalin-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for kidney diseases |
| Author |
Shoji Kuwahara |
Department of Applied Molecular Medecine Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| Author |
Michihiro Hosojima |
Division of Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital |
| Author |
Hideyuki Kabasawa |
Division of Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital |
| Author |
Ryohei Kaseda |
|
| Author |
Akihiko Saito |
Department of Applied Molecular Medecine Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| [ Summary ] |
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are serious problems associated with high risks of renal replacement therapy and mortality. However, pathogenesis-based diagnostic markers and fundamental therapeutic strategies have not been established. Our research group has been studying megalin, an endocytic receptor in proximal tubule cells, as a candidate target for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for these diseases. Recent studies have shown that megalin plays a critical role as a "gate" for nephrotoxic proteins and drugs, resulting in the development and progression of CKD and AKI. Thus, in these conditions, megalin suppressors or megalin antagonists may serve as forms of renoprotective therapies. Furthermore, urinary megalin assays may be useful as biomarkers based on the pathogenesis of these diseases, as indicated by supportive data. |