Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Kidney Diseases: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Targets, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Kidney diseases remain a major public health concern associated with the increasing morbidity and mortality of millions of people globally. Unfortunately, the prevalence of kidney diseases has increased significantly in recent times. The hallmarks of this important human pathology include the excessive accumulation and deposition of extracellular matrix, mesangiolysis, glomerular basement membrane thickening, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and many more, which eventually lead to loss of kidney function. As the pathogenesis of different forms of kidney diseases is multifactorial, several experimental models have recently been developed to mimic clinical situations and provide a mechanistic understanding of the various pathologies of kidney diseases, with the ultimate goal of identifying and developing potential therapeutic targets. These experimental models have identified several molecular mechanisms underlying various forms of kidney diseases. These mechanisms include:

• PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway;
• Jak/Stat and inflammatory signaling pathways;
• Induction of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways;
• Upregulation of renal transforming growth factor beta-1 expression;
• Activation of fibroblast and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system;
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and depletion of adenosine triphosphate.

Targeting various molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of the different forms of kidney diseases has shown to be beneficial, and offers a huge potential to be explored that is amenable to novel therapies. This Special Issue focuses on recent research developments in the pathophysiology of kidney diseases and their therapeutic targets for diagnosis and treatment.

Original papers, review articles, and perspectives from experts in the field are welcome.

Dr. George J. Dugbartey
Guest Editor

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