Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors might be beneficial in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), say researchers. Bollée et al. identified de novo induction of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF, which increases phosphorylation of EGFR) in podocytes from mice and humans with RPGN. HB-EGF-deficient mice did not show EGFR activation in glomeruli and the disease course was improved. Deleting Egfr from mouse podocytes reduced RPGN severity, and use of EGFR blockers improved the disease course.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Bollée, G. et al. Epidermal growth factor receptor promotes glomerular injury and renal failure in rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis. Nat. Med. doi:10.1038/nm.2491
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EGFR inhibitors: useful in glomerulonephritis?. Nat Rev Nephrol 7, 676 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2011.158
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2011.158
