Guest Editors
Prof. Jinu Kim
Email: jinu.kim@jejunu.ac.kr
Affiliation: Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
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Research Interests: kidney fibrosis, acute kidney injury, nephrotoxicity, tubular cell death, kidney fibroblast transformation
Dr. Hee-Seong Jang
Email: hjang17@jhmi.edu
Affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
Homepage:
Research Interests: kidney fibrosis, acute kidney injury, nephrotoxicity, tubular cell death, kidney fibroblast transformation
Summary
Kidney fibrosis and acute kidney injury (AKI) remain critical challenges in nephrology, driving progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal failure. Understanding the cellular and molecular underpinnings of these conditions is essential for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. This special issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research exploring the key cellular processes and pathways involved in kidney fibrosis and AKI, shedding light on their contributions to disease onset, progression, and potential recovery mechanisms.
Key areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
1. Cellular Dynamics in Kidney Fibrosis
Investigating the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and myofibroblast activation.
Exploring interactions between fibroblasts, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix in fibrosis progression.
2. Mechanisms of Acute Kidney Injury and Recovery
Examining cellular signaling pathways driving AKI and repair, such as TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin.
Understanding the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI outcomes.
3. Inflammation and Immune Cell Contributions
Unraveling the dual roles of immune cells in AKI and fibrosis.
Investigating how inflammatory signaling networks influence cellular responses to injury and repair.
4. Role of Metabolic Reprogramming and Organellar Function
Decoding the effects of metabolic reprogramming on cell survival and function in kidney diseases.
Studying the impact of mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, and apoptosis on kidney cell fate.
5. Innovative Technologies in Kidney Research
Utilizing single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics to characterize kidney cell populations and states.
Developing kidney organoids and organ-on-chip models to study cellular processes in a controlled environment.
6. Translational Insights and Therapeutic Targets
Exploring novel druggable pathways to target fibrotic mechanisms and protect against AKI.
Assessing cellular therapy and regenerative approaches for treating kidney fibrosis and AKI.
We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and perspectives that investigate the complex cellular mechanisms underlying kidney fibrosis and AKI. By compiling the latest discoveries from global experts, this issue aims to provide novel insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases and to inspire future research in this vital field.
Keywords
kidney fibrosis, acute kidney injury, cellular mechanisms, inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, organoids, extracellular matrix, nephrology