scholarly journals Therapeutic Use of mTOR Inhibitors in Renal Diseases: Advances, Drawbacks, and Challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia D. Viana ◽  
Flávio Reis ◽  
Rui Alves

The mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has a key role in the regulation of a variety of biological processes pivotal for cellular life, aging, and death. Impaired activity of mTOR complexes (mTORC1/mTORC2), particularly mTORC1 overactivation, has been implicated in a plethora of age-related disorders, including human renal diseases. Since the discovery of rapamycin (or sirolimus), more than four decades ago, advances in our understanding of how mTOR participates in renal physiological and pathological mechanisms have grown exponentially, due to both preclinical studies in animal models with genetic modification of some mTOR components as well as due to evidence coming from the clinical experience. The main clinical indication of rapamycin is as immunosuppressive therapy for the prevention of allograft rejection, namely, in renal transplantation. However, considering the central participation of mTOR in the pathogenesis of other renal disorders, the use of rapamycin and its analogs meanwhile developed (rapalogues) everolimus and temsirolimus has been viewed as a promising pharmacological strategy. This article critically reviews the use of mTOR inhibitors in renal diseases. Firstly, we briefly overview the mTOR components and signaling as well as the pharmacological armamentarium targeting the mTOR pathway currently available or in the research and development stages. Thereafter, we revisit the mTOR pathway in renal physiology to conclude with the advances, drawbacks, and challenges regarding the use of mTOR inhibitors, in a translational perspective, in four classes of renal diseases: kidney transplantation, polycystic kidney diseases, renal carcinomas, and diabetic nephropathy.

2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (2) ◽  
pp. F109-F118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirti Bhatt ◽  
Mitsuo Kato ◽  
Rama Natarajan

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenously produced short noncoding regulatory RNAs that can repress gene expression by posttranscriptional mechanisms. They can therefore influence both normal and pathological conditions in diverse biological systems. Several miRNAs have been detected in kidneys, where they have been found to be crucial for renal development and normal physiological functions as well as significant contributors to the pathogenesis of renal disorders such as diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury, lupus nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and others, due to their effects on key genes involved in these disease processes. miRNAs have also emerged as novel biomarkers in these renal disorders. Due to increasing evidence of their actions in various kidney segments, in this mini-review we discuss the functional significance of altered miRNA expression during the development of renal pathologies and highlight emerging miRNA-based therapeutics and diagnostic strategies for early detection and treatment of kidney diseases.


2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilfred Lieberthal ◽  
Jerrold S. Levine

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a fundamental role in regulating cellular homeostasis and metabolism. In a two-part review, we examine the complex molecular events involved in the regulation and downstream effects of mTOR, as well as the pivotal role played by this kinase in many renal diseases, particularly acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, and polycystic kidney diseases. Here, in the first part of the review, we provide an overview of the complex signaling events and pathways governing mTOR activity and action. mTOR is a key component of two multiprotein complexes, known as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2). Some proteins are found in both mTORC1 and mTORC2, while others are unique to one or the other complex. Activation of mTORC1 promotes cell growth (increased cellular mass or size) and cell proliferation (increased cell number). mTORC1 acts as a metabolic “sensor,” ensuring that conditions are optimal for both cell growth and proliferation. Its activity is tightly regulated by the availability of amino acids, growth factors, energy stores, and oxygen. The effects of mTORC2 activation are distinct from those of mTORC1. Cellular processes modulated by mTORC2 include cell survival, cell polarity, cytoskeletal organization, and activity of the aldosterone-sensitive sodium channel. Upstream events controlling mTORC2 activity are less well understood than those controlling mTORC1, although growth factors appear to stimulate both complexes. Rapamycin and its analogs inhibit the activity of mTORC1 only, and not that of mTORC2, while the newer “catalytic” mTOR inhibitors affect both complexes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (16) ◽  
pp. 2962-2973
Author(s):  
Pei Kou ◽  
Shuang Wei ◽  
Fei Xiong

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), the most common monogenic kidney disease, is caused by mutations in the PKD1, PKD2 or, in a very limited number of families, GANAB genes. Although cellular and molecular mechanisms of this disease have been understood in the past 20 years, specific therapy approaches remain very little. Both experimental and clinical studies show that the mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an important role during cyst formation and enlargement in ADPKD. Studies in rodent models of ADPKD showed that mTOR inhibitors had a significant and long-lasting decrease in kidney volume and amelioration in kidney function. In the past over ten years, researchers have been devoting continuously to test mTOR inhibitors efficacy and safety in both preclinical studies and clinical trials in patients with ADPKD. In this review, we will discuss the mTOR pathway thoroughly, mainly focusing on current advances in understanding its role in ADPKD, especially the recent progress of mTOR inhibitors use in preclinical studies and clinical trials.


Kidney360 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
pp. 1319-1327
Author(s):  
Yuan Gui ◽  
Chunsun Dai

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is crucial in regulating cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and survival. Under physiologic conditions, mTOR signaling maintains podocyte and tubular cell homeostasis. In AKI, activation of mTOR signaling in tubular cells and interstitial fibroblasts promotes renal regeneration and repair. However, constitutive activation of mTOR signaling in kidneys results in the initiation and progression of glomerular hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease, and renal cell carcinoma. Here, we summarize the recent studies about mTOR signaling in renal physiology and injury, and discuss the possibility of its use as a therapeutic target for kidney diseases.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 305
Author(s):  
John-Patrick Alao ◽  
Luc Legon ◽  
Charalampos Rallis

Cells have developed response systems to constantly monitor environmental changes and accordingly adjust growth, differentiation, and cellular stress programs. The evolutionarily conserved, nutrient-responsive, mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling (mTOR) pathway coordinates basic anabolic and catabolic cellular processes such as gene transcription, protein translation, autophagy, and metabolism, and is directly implicated in cellular and organismal aging as well as age-related diseases. mTOR mediates these processes in response to a broad range of inputs such as oxygen, amino acids, hormones, and energy levels, as well as stresses, including DNA damage. Here, we briefly summarize data relating to the interplays of the mTOR pathway with DNA damage response pathways in fission yeast, a favorite model in cell biology, and how these interactions shape cell decisions, growth, and cell-cycle progression. We, especially, comment on the roles of caffeine-mediated DNA-damage override. Understanding the biology of nutrient response, DNA damage and related pharmacological treatments can lead to the design of interventions towards improved cellular and organismal fitness, health, and survival.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1178-1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniyal J. Jafree ◽  
David A. Long

The kidney contains a network of lymphatic vessels that clear fluid, small molecules, and cells from the renal interstitium. Through modulating immune responses and via crosstalk with surrounding renal cells, lymphatic vessels have been implicated in the progression and maintenance of kidney disease. In this Review, we provide an overview of the development, structure, and function of lymphatic vessels in the healthy adult kidney. We then highlight the contributions of lymphatic vessels to multiple forms of renal pathology, emphasizing CKD, transplant rejection, and polycystic kidney disease and discuss strategies to target renal lymphatics using genetic and pharmacologic approaches. Overall, we argue the case for lymphatics playing a fundamental role in renal physiology and pathology and treatments modulating these vessels having therapeutic potential across the spectrum of kidney disease.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-134
Author(s):  
Bennur Esen ◽  
Emel Sağlam Gokmen ◽  
Mahmut Kaya ◽  
Burak Ozkan ◽  
Ahmet Engin Atay

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the frequency of insulin resistance (IR) and its relation with anthropometric measurements in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).Material and MethodsNonobese 82 patients with ADPKD and 58 age matched healthy controls were enrolled into the study. None of participants were diabetic or receiving renal replacement therapies (RRT). IR was determined by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. Tanita body composition analyzer was used for anthropometric measurements. Creatinine clearance of participant were assessed by the modification of diet in renal diseases (MDRD).ResultsPatients with ADPKD had significantly higher level of urea and creatinine, microalbuminuria, and lower level of MDRD. Body fat distribution and HOMA-IR in both the groups were similar. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure of patients were higher than those of controls.ConclusionWe failed to determine a higher frequency of IR among patients with ADPKD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Mar Del Águila García ◽  
Antonio M Poyatos Andújar ◽  
Ana Isabel Morales García ◽  
Margarita Martínez Atienza ◽  
Susana García Linares ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Hereditary renal disease (HRD) is still underdiagnosed: although we know aspects related to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), we know little about the incidence and prevalence of other entities such as Alport syndrome. Altogether, HRD can represent 15% of individuals undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) or could even be higher. The advancement of genetics at the healthcare level let to achieve accurate and early renal diagnoses, as well as the incorporation of genetic counseling to families, all of which will result in better management of the disease in its initial stages and the possibility of offering reproductive options that avoid transmission to offspring. Our objective is to know the performance offered by the implementation of the ERH panel through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in our healthcare area. Method Observational-descriptive study of 259 probands (141 men / 118 women), mean age of 46 years (30 pediatric / 123 over 50 years), with chronic kidney disease and suspected hereditary cause attended in the specialized consultation of our centers from October 2018 to October 2020. The DNA extracted from leukocytes obtained by venipuncture was processed with Nephropathies Solution version 3 panel (SOPHiA Genetics) according to the manufacturer's protocol. This panel covers the coding regions and splicing junctions of 44 HRD-related genes such as nephrotic syndromes, polycystic kidney diseases, Bartter syndromes, Alport syndrome, CAKUT or tubulopathies (table 1). The sequencing of the libraries was done in a MiSeq (Illumina Inc), the bioinformatic analysis of the data and annotation of variants was performed using the SOPHiA DDM 5.8.0.3 software, and the revision of variants by consulting the main databases (ClinVar, Exac, HGMD, NCBI, PKD Foundation, LOVD). Results The panel was informative (pathogenic or probably pathogenic) in 80/259 patients (31%) and 56/259 cases (21.66%) of variants of uncertain significance (VSI) were detected. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease accounted for 76.2% of the variants identified (56.2% PKD1, 20% PKD2), following Alport syndrome with 15% and the alterations in the PKHD1 gene associated with renal polycystic disease in its recessive form with about 4% (Figure 1). We have also identified a case of autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease associated with the UMOD gene that was not suspected until the genetic study was performed. We highlight that 45% (36/80) of the variants identified as responsible for the renal disease are not yet described. Overall, the most prevalent type of mutation is that which produces displacement in the reading frame or frameshift (Figure 2). Individually, frameshift is the most frequent alteration in PKD1, PKD2 and COL4A5, while for PKHD1, COL4A3 and COL4A4 it is missense. Conclusion Our NGS HRD panel a) offers an adequate diagnostic performance at the healthcare level, with definitive results in 1 out of 3 cases and has also allowed the performance of many carrier studies among family members b) is able of diagnosing the most frequent disease, ADPKD and Alport syndrome, as well as unresolved or poorly characterized cases, and c) opens the horizon for new diagnoses, all without increasing costs by outsourcing services. All this makes the genetic study of renal pathology a useful and efficient strategy. These results encourage us to enhance the resources in this area that we consider to be of strategic value.


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