Inhibition of WISE preserves renal allograft function

J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013 Jan;24(1):66-76. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2012010012. Epub 2012 Nov 26.

Abstract

Wnt-modulator in surface ectoderm (WISE) is a secreted modulator of Wnt signaling expressed in the adult kidney. Activation of Wnt signaling has been observed in renal transplants developing interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy; however, whether WISE contributes to chronic changes is not well understood. Here, we found moderate to high expression of WISE mRNA in a rat model of renal transplantation and in kidneys from normal rats. Treatment with a neutralizing antibody against WISE improved proteinuria and graft function, which correlated with higher levels of β-catenin protein in kidney allografts. In addition, treatment with the anti-WISE antibody reduced infiltration of CD68(+) macrophages and CD8(+) T cells, attenuated glomerular and interstitial injury, and decreased biomarkers of renal injury. This treatment reduced expression of genes involved in immune responses and in fibrogenic pathways. In summary, WISE contributes to renal dysfunction by promoting tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Kidney / immunology
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Rats, Inbred Lew
  • Renal Insufficiency / prevention & control*
  • Renal Insufficiency / urine
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Antibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Cadherins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Sostdc1 protein, rat
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • smooth muscle actin, rat