| Theme |
Regulation, disease states and drug targets of kidney tubular transporters -- Topics |
| Title |
Megalin and CKD |
| Author |
Shoji Kuwahara |
Department of Applied Molecular Medicine, 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 |
Akihiko Saito |
Department of Applied Molecular Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| [ Summary ] |
The kidneys are one of the most important organs in regulation of homeostasis. Proximal tubules play a central role for this function. Megalin, a giant protein belonging to the low density lipoprotein receptor family, is expressed in proximal tubule cells and is involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis. Megalin not only acts to reabsorb many ligands, including albumin, but also acts to regulate functions of various receptors and transporters. It is also likely to be involved in intracellular signal transduction. Recently, it has been revealed that excessive megalin-mediated endocytosis results in damage to the proximal tubule cells. Therefore, megalin is postulated to be a unique target for diagnosis and treatment of CKD. |