Hypoxia signaling in renal pericytes-is it safe to activate?

While excitement has grown for the use of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors for treating renal anemia, multiple preclinical studies have shown the complex and cell-type-dependent roles of HIFs in kidney disease pathogenesis, including renal fibrosis. Pan et al. now clearly show that activating the HIF signaling in the Gli1-lineage myofibroblasts restores erythropoietin production while not adversely affecting matrix production, mitigating the concerns of exacerbated fibrosis by HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel Len Edmonston Medicine, Nephrology

Author Tomokazu Souma Medicine, Nephrology