Developing a treatment for chronic kidney disease by intervening in cellular senescence and autophagy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17745
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53040:Nephrology-related
• Research Institution: Kawasaki Medical School
• Principal Investigator: Seiji Kishi 川崎医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (10519507)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 線維化 / DNA損傷 / 細胞老化 / 腎臓病

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The proximal tubules, which make up a significant portion of the kidney, are susceptible to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can lead to impairment. They play a central role in the fibrosis of the renal interstitium, which determines renal prognosis. The applicant focused on DNA damage and repair mechanisms in the proximal tubules caused by various intrinsic stresses, particularly in relation to cellular senescence, which is closely associated with DNA damage. The applicant conducted research using genetically modified animals to analyze these relationships. In mice with severe fibrosis in the tubulointerstitium, there was an increase in DNA damage that accelerated renal aging. The proximal tubules showed the formation of a cellular organelle complex called TASCC.

Free Research Field

腎臓内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

老化細胞を除去することで臓器機能を改善したり、生命延長ができることも近年明らかになってきた。したがって、腎の細胞老化を制御して腎不全治療ができる可能性を高める研究成果を提供できることになる。