Autophagy regulatory network in renal cells

The autophagy regulatory network in renal cells is a sophisticated intracellular degradation system essential for maintaining kidney homeostasis by recycling damaged proteins and organelles (Kaushal et al., 2020, Nature Reviews Nephrology). This network is primarily governed by the interplay between the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a potent inhibitor of autophagy, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which serves as a key activator under energy-depleted conditions (Kim & Guan, 2015, Nature). In renal physiology, autophagy provides a cytoprotective mechanism for podocytes and tubular epithelial cells against stressors such as ischemia, hypoxia, and nephrotoxins (Bhatia & Choi, 2020, JASN). Dysfunction of this network is a hallmark of several renal diseases, including acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetic nephropathy, where impaired autophagic flux leads to the accumulation of cellular waste and eventual cell death (Choi, 2020, Kidney International). Pharmacological intervention targeting this network, such as using mTOR inhibitors like Sirolimus or AMPK activators like Metformin, aims to restore or enhance autophagic activity to preserve renal function and prevent disease progression (Livingston et al., 2019, Autophagy).

Other names

Renal autophagy pathwayKidney autophagy signaling networkAutophagy-lysosome pathway in renal cells

Modulation of autophagic flux via inhibition of the mTOR pathway or activation of the AMPK pathway to enhance cellular clearance and survival in renal tissues.