New window on fibrosis | VUMC Reporter

by Invoice Snyder

DDR1 is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) — a cell floor receptor — that regulates a number of capabilities together with the upkeep of the traditional construction of tissues, however which additionally contributes to pathological circumstances together with most cancers, irritation and fibrosis.

Within the kidney, upregulation of DDR1 expression contributes to irritation and development of fibrotic responses that may injury the kidney. The way it does this has been unclear.

Now in a report within the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Ambra Pozzi, PhD, and colleagues exhibit that, like different RTKs, activated DDR1 can translocate to the nucleus of the cell, the place it acts as a co-transcription issue.

Within the nucleus DDR1 regulates the transcription of pro-fibrotic molecules together with collagen IV. A structural protein, collagen IV is a part of the extracellular matrix. Along with collagen I, collagen IV is upregulated in fibrosis.

This beforehand unrecognized nuclear position of DDR1 opens unanticipated therapeutic choices for the remedy of fibrotic ailments, the researchers concluded.

This analysis was supported by Veterans Affairs Benefit Opinions and by grants from the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (DK119212, DK069921, DK112688, DK099467, DK056942, DK114809) and the Division of Protection.