Scientists from Duke Medical School (Duke-NUS) in Singapore discovered that increasing the activity of a specific gene called WWP2 contributes to the progression of fibrosis by reregulating the metabolism of kidney myofibroblasts. results published In the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN).
For the study, researchers analyzed 130 biopsy samples from people with kidney fibrosis. Biopsy is a method of intravital sampling of various cells and tissues from the patient’s body for further laboratory studies.
It turns out that increased activity of the WWP2 gene in kidney myofibroblasts (a type of biological cell) contributes to the progression of fibrosis. Fibrosis is a special pathological condition in which abnormal overgrowth of connective tissue occurs with the appearance of scarring changes in various organs.
Scientists explained that WWP2 rearranges cell metabolism in a special way, thus increasing the risk of end-stage renal failure. This pathology is characterized by the inability of the kidneys to filter blood effectively. Additional studies have shown that reducing WWP2 activity, in contrast, normalizes the functioning of myofibroblasts.
According to the study authors, the WWP2 gene is a new potential target for the development of drugs that can suppress it. It is stated that scientists have started working on the creation of WWP2 inhibitors for the treatment of kidney and heart diseases.
Previously, surgeons were the first surgeons in the world to operate successfully. transplanted pig kidney to a living patient.
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Source: Gazeta
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