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Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO1180

Circadian Clock Molecule REV-ERBα Deficiency in Tubular Cells Regulates Renal Fibrosis Through Increasing Lipid Accumulation

Session Information

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

  • 2303 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Mechanisms

Authors

  • Jia, Cheng, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China
  • Zhang, Chun, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Background

The dysregulation of lipid metabolism in renal tubular cells is closely associated with renal interstitial fibrosis. As a key circadian clock regulator, REV-ERBα plays a central role in lipid homeostasis. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in renal fibrogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of REV-ERBα in kidney fibrosis.

Methods

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was employed to induce renal fibrogenesis. Renal proximal tubule-specific Rev-ERBα knockout mice were generated, and Rev-ERBα agonist (SR9009) administration was used to evaluate its therapeutic effects. The downstream targets of REV-ERBα were detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

1. UUO induced a significant reduction in REV-ERBα abundance in obstructed kidneys.
2. Rev-ERBα deletion exacerbated extracellular matrix deposition and lipid accumulation in renal tubules compared to wild-type mice.
3. SR9009 administration alleviated renal fibrosis and normalized lipid metabolism in UUO mice.
4. REV-ERBα regulated fatty acid translocase CD36 via directly suppressing NFIL3.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that REV-ERBα deficiency promotes renal fibrosis through lipid metabolic dysfunction, while pharmacological activation of REV-ERBα exerts protective effects. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of REV-ERBα agonists in fibrotic kidney diseases.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)