Abstract: FR-OR028
Inactivation of Endothelial HIF Polyhydroxylases Following Ischemic AKI Promotes Kidney Fibrosis
Session Information
- AKI: Mechanisms - Inflammation and AKI-CKD Transition
November 08, 2019 | Location: 202, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 05:54 PM - 06:06 PM
Category: Acute Kidney Injury
- 103 AKI: Mechanisms
Authors
- Tiwari, Ratnakar, KUMC - University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Schonfeld, Michael P., KUMC - University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Kapitsinou, Pinelopi P., KUMC - University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Background
Key regulators of hypoxic vascular responses are Hypoxia-Inducible-Factors (HIF)-1 and -2, transcription factors whose activity is negatively regulated by prolyl-hydroxylase domain proteins 1 to 3 (PHD1 to PHD3). Little is known about endothelial cell (EC) specific functions of PHDs in response to acute kidney injury (AKI), a common problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we used a genetic approach to investigate the function of endothelial PHDs in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).
Methods
Cdh5(PAC)CreERT2 inducible system was used to induce conditional deletion of PHD1,2,3 in ECs (Cdh5(PAC)CreERT2; Phd1f/fPhd2f/fPhd3f/f referred as EC-PHD1/2/3 mutants) while the recombination efficiency was assessed by crossing Cdh5(PAC)-CreER T2 transgenic mice to ROSA26-ACTB-tdTomato,-EGFP reporter mice. Mice were subjected to unilateral IRI and at Day 1 post IRI they were started on tamoxifen (total of 4 doses) to inactivate PHDs. Samples were collected at day 14 after IRI.
Results
The Cdh5(PAC)CreERT2 showed efficient recombination in the kidney endothelium based on FACs analysis and imaging of kidney tissue from the reporter mice. Immunofluorescence analysis of PHDs showed persistent expression of PHDs following IRI. Post-ischemic inactivation of endothelial PHDs (1-3) exacerbated infiltration of inflammatory cells and tubular damage at day 14 after IRI assessed by histopathological analysis of injured kidneys. EC-PHD1/2/3 mutants showed increased expression levels of profibrotic genes Loxl2 (n=6-8, P= 0.03). and Tgf-β (n=6-8, P= 0.005). Significant deposition of matrix in interstitial spaces was observed in kidneys of EC-PHD1/2/3 mutants compared to Cre-controls as indicated by Sirius red staining. Transmission electron microscopic examination showed prominent endothelial cell damage in the kidney of EC-PHD1/2/3 mutants, which was associated with peritubular capillary rarefaction as indicated by endomucin staining. Furthermore, treatment of human ECs with a PHD inhibitor following the induction of hypoxia-reoxygenation led to significant suppression of EC-proliferation.
Conclusion
Our data show a critical role for endothelial PHDs following ischemic AKI. Inactivation of endothelial PHDs following ischemic AKI promotes kidney inflammation, peritubular capillary rarefaction and fibrosis.
Funding
- NIDDK Support