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A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of quantitative traits that incorporated data from GWAS of complex diseases provides clues regarding the relationships between genetic loci, intermediate phenotypes and diseases. Together, the data demonstrate pleiotropy, genetic correlation and cell-type specificity of quantitative traits as predictors of multiple complex diseases.
Current in vitro nephrotoxicity screens are poorly predictive of toxicity in humans. Here, the authors describe mechanisms of nephrotoxic injury, the functional features of tubular cell models that are essential for predicting the toxicity of pharmaceutical compounds, and novel in vitro cell models under development.
Advances in precision medicine have greatly improved outcomes for patients with cancer. New findings that demonstrate a substantial contribution of major chronic diseases and disease markers to the risk of cancer incidence and mortality highlight the impact of chronic disease on cancer risk and suggest that chronic diseases should be targeted in cancer prevention strategies.
Renal dysfunction and atrial fibrillation (AF) share common risk factors and often coexist. Here, the authors discuss the risks and benefits of use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and non-VKA oral anticoagulants for thromboprophylaxis in patients with coexistent AF and renal dysfunction.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) not only plays a major part in the regulation of blood pressure but also participates in several other physiological functions, including renal development and male reproduction. Here, Bernstein et al. discuss how ACE enhances both innate and adaptive responses by modulating macrophage and neutrophil function.
The cellular origins of angiomyolipoma and other tuberous sclerosis complex-associated neoplasms are unknown. Now, two studies show that these neoplasms derive from cancer stem cells that originate from multipotent renal epithelial cells. The new findings provide a link between stemness and tumorigenesis in the kidney.
Exposure to environmental pollutants is a major cause of kidney injury and disease worldwide and is a particular problem in the developing world. In this Review, the authors discuss the different environmental pollutants that affect the kidney, and our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of environmental pollutants in kidney injury and disease.
Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition produces complex diseases with heterogeneous phenotypes, making it difficult to identify the underlying mechanisms of immunoglobulin aggregation and deposition. In this Review, the authors discuss animal models of various human immunoglobulin deposition diseases, and each model's drawbacks and contributions to our understanding of these diseases.
Dysfunctional mitochondria are postulated to be central to the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, the authors review the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of DKD and novel therapeutic strategies to target mitochondria and improve kidney function.