WWP2 MEDIATES THE METABOLIC REPROGRAMMING OF RENAL MYOFIBROBLASTS TO PROMOTE KIDNEY FIBROSIS [ChIP-Seq]
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ABSTRACT: Renal fibrosis is a common pathological endpoint that is challenging to reverse in chronic kidney disease (CKD) independently of the underlying causes. Although myofibroblasts are mainly responsible for the accumulation of a fibrillar collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM), recent reports revealed their heterogeneity in proliferative and fibrotic activities, mirroring specific metabolic states that drive fibrosis. Here, we investigate the role of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase WWP2 in the metabolic reprogramming of renal myofibroblasts in fibrosis. The tubulointerstitial expression of WWP2 contributes to the progression of fibrosis in CKD patients and in pre-clinical models of CKD. WWP2 deficiency leads to increased fatty acid oxidation, boosting mitochondrial respiration, promoting myofibroblast proliferation and arresting pro-fibrotic activation, thus ameliorating kidney fibrosis. Specifically, WWP2 suppresses the transcription of PGC-1α, which mediates the metabolic and proliferative changes in fibrotic myofibroblasts. Pharmacological intervention targeting PGC-1α reverses the pro-fibrotic effect of WWP2. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated WWP2-PGC-1α axis underlying the metabolic reprogramming of myofibroblasts during renal fibrosis, which could provide a new target for therapeutic intervention in CKD.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE267765 | GEO | 2024/05/19
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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