This Month's Highlights

[摘要] Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) acts as a switchboard for numerous intracellular signaling pathways, including those involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, suggesting that it may be a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis. Li et al. report that pharmacologic inhibition of ILK prevents activation of pathways induced by TGF-β1 in vitro, thereby favoring differentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells. In addition, in a mouse model of obstructive nephropathy, ILK inhibition limits the mesenchymal/fibrotic phenotype. These results suggest a critical role for ILK in the progression of renal fibrosis and its potential as a therapeutic target. See Li et al., pages 1907–1918.

[学科分类] 泌尿医学

[关键词] Bone marrow necrosis;Sickle cell disease;Hyperhemolysis syndrome