Volume 16 Issue 3, March 2020

In recent years, the molecular view of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been based primarily on gene transcription data with limited information on protein features. A new study led by the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium now offers a comprehensive view of the ccRCC proteome.

A new study links pathogenic cubilin gene (CUBN) variants to proteinuria without progressive renal impairment, providing reassurance for a subset of patients, calling into question the accepted pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis and suggesting future therapeutic options.

Hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1) is a specific type of acute kidney injury (AKI) that is largely considered a functional derangement that ultimately affects renal vasculature tone. This Review describes new insights that suggest that non-haemodynamic tubulo-toxic factors, such as endotoxins and bile acids, might mediate parenchymal renal injury in patients with cirrhosis, suggesting that concurrent mechanisms might contribute to the development of AKI in patients with cirrhosis.

Oncometabolites — conventional metabolites that, when aberrantly accumulated, have pro-oncogenic capabilities — have been implicated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, the authors review the role of oncometabolites in RCC, their origins and downstream effects and their potential applications as novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

The field of nephrology has conducted fewer trials than other medical specialties. Here, the authors discuss how innovations in trial design and conduct could help achieve the goal of conducting a greater number of larger renal trials.