Function of ACSM2, a novel renal proximal tubular cell marker, and its clinical utility

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K20917
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0903:Organ-based internal medicine and related fields
• Research Institution: Niigata University
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Hirofumi 新潟大学, 医歯学総合病院, 専任助教 (20911978)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 近位尿細管 / 慢性腎臓病 / 急性腎障害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

ACSM2 (Acyl-coenzyme A synthetase medium chain family member 2) has recently been discovered to be specifically expressed in the proximal tubule cells of the kidney. However, functional aspects and expression patterns of ACSM2 have remained unknown.
This study revealed that the expression of ACSM2 decreases in association with kidney diseases. It also found the potential significant roles of ACSM2 in the recovery from renal injuries.

Free Research Field

腎臓内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腎臓の近位尿細管は体液調節による恒常性維持に中心的な役割を担っている。しかし、近位尿細管細胞の機能面については不明な点も多く、臨床的に使用できるバイオマーカーは十分に開発されていない。
本研究により、ACSM2の発現・機能が、腎臓病の発症、進展、回復に深く関連していることが示された。ACSM2は、腎臓病診療での新しい治療ターゲットや臨床的に有用なバイオマーカーとなり得る可能性がある。