A Porthole over AKI: Cell Dynamics in Damage and Repair

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with an increased risk of CKD. Injury-induced multifaceted renal cell-to-cell crosstalk can either lead to successful self-repair or chronic fibrosis and inflammation. In this mini-review, we will discuss critical renal cell types acting as victims or executioners in AKI pathology and introduce intravital imaging as a powerful technique to further dissect these cell-to-cell interactions.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury; Chronic kidney disease; Fibrosis; Intravital imaging; Renal regeneration.