The role of megalin in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and the clinical significance of urinary megalin measurement

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26461216
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Kidney internal medicine
• Research Institution: Niigata University
• Principal Investigator: Saito Akihiko 新潟大学, 医歯学総合研究科, 特任教授 (80293207)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: メガリン / 慢性腎臓病 / レニン－アンジオテンシン系 / リン代謝 / バイオマーカー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Megalin is highly expressed on the apical membrane of proximal tubular epithelial cells and plays an important role in the endocytic reabsorption of glomerular-filtered substances such as proteins and drugs. In this project, 1) we analyzed the role of megalin in the regulation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. 2) We elucidated the mechanism underlying the development of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury via the uptake of nephrotoxic substances by megalin, an “entrance” molecule, into the kidney. 3) We analyzed the role of megalin in the regulation of phosphate. 4) We found that urinary megalin excretion is tightly linked with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and its measurement in urine is useful for the prediction of the development and progression of the disease.

Free Research Field

腎臓内科学、糖尿病学