"Pyrimidinergic calcium signaling links tubular metabolism to fibrosis in kidney disease"
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions worldwide and often leads to irreversible scarring of the kidneys, known as fibrosis. The group of Prof. Andrew Hall together with researchers from other laboratories in Switzerland and Belgium have now identified a key signaling pathway that may help explain—and potentially slow—this process.
The study shows that injured kidney tubules release a molecule (UDP) that activates nearby cells called fibroblasts. This triggers a cascade of signals that promotes tissue scarring. Importantly, blocking the responsible receptor (P2Y6) significantly reduced fibrosis and improved kidney function in experimental models.
These findings highlight a promising new therapeutic target. In the future, drugs that inhibit this pathway could help delay or prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease.
The finding are published in Nature Communications.