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Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO0161

TFEB Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced AKI by Promoting Lysosomal Degradation of Multivesicular Bodies and Reducing Exosome Release

Session Information

  • AKI: Mechanisms - 3
    November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
    Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Acute Kidney Injury

  • 103 AKI: Mechanisms

Authors

  • Xu, Zhifeng, Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
  • Xiong, Jing, Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
  • Zhang, Chun, Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes rapid renal function decline and high mortality worldwide. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) has renal protective effects in AKI, but its mechanism remains unclear. Exosomes released from multivesicular bodies (MVBs) participate in kidney disease progression. TFEB may regulate MVB-exosome secretion by promoting lysosome biogenesis, influencing AKI development.

Methods

Rat renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) were treated with cisplatin. Levels of TFEB, lysosome-related proteins, exosome secretion, and MVB expression were measured. In vivo, TFEB-overexpressing lentivirus was injected into mouse kidneys, followed by cisplatin-induced AKI. Changes in TFEB, lysosome markers, and the exosome-MVB pathway were analyzed.

Results

Cisplatin stimulated TECs to release exosomes containing harmful cargo, damaging neighboring healthy TECs via paracrine effects. Trehalose-induced TFEB activation in rat TECs enhanced lysosome biogenesis and promoted MVB degradation, reducing cisplatin-induced exosome secretion and cell injury. In AKI mice, TFEB overexpression mitigated renal damage and decreased exosome marker expression. TFEB upregulation increased cathepsin D (CTSD), decreased MVB-associated proteins, and enhanced MVB-lysosome fusion.

Conclusion

Cisplatin-induced exosome secretion from TECs contributes to AKI progression by injuring adjacent cells. TFEB protects against cisplatin-induced AKI by promoting lysosomal degradation of MVBs, reducing harmful exosome release and renal injury.

Funding

  • Government Support – Non-U.S.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)