Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2017

Several recent studies have provided insights into the genetic regulation of blood pressure. A new study extends these findings by coupling genome-wide association study data with functional validation approaches to identify and explore loci associated with blood pressure, and by generating a genetic risk score model to predict future cardiovascular risk.

Elimination of donor-specific antibodies against HLA has been used to enable transplantation of HLA-incompatible kidneys from living donors. In contrast to two previous US studies, a UK study now reports that desensitization does not offer a survival benefit over remaining on the waitlist for a compatible organ.

T cells mediate injury in glomerulonephritis but mice devoid of T cells and B cells can also develop this disease. A new study shows that expression of the cytokine receptor common subunit γ and IL-15 in podocytes protects against crescentic glomerulonephritis, independent of B cells, T cells and natural killer cells.

Heparanase is an endoglycosidase that regulates numerous cell functions and is able to degrade the extracellular matrix component heparan sulfate, which has a key role in maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. In this Review, Rabelink and colleagues describe the biological regulation and functions of heparanase, including the role of this enzyme in the development of kidney disease.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) depletion contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiac and renal diseases. Here, the authors review the roles of NAD⁺ in the heart and kidney and discuss the mechanisms by which NAD⁺supplementation might have therapeutic efficacy, with a focus on the role of mitochondrial sirtuins.

Crystals can trigger different types of renal injury according to their speed at which they form and their localization. Here, the authors discuss shared and specific mechanisms underlying crystal formation and renal injury, such as regulated cell death and inflammasome activation.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease are increasingly recognized as interconnected entities and the term acute kidney disease (AKD) has been proposed to define ongoing pathophysiologic processes following an episode of AKI. In this Consensus statement, the Acute Disease Quality Initiative 16 Workgroup propose definitions and staging criteria for AKD, and strategies for the management of affected patients. They also make recommendations for areas of future research with the aims of improving understanding of the underlying processes and improving outcomes.