Sphingosine-1-phosphate in renal microvascular signalling

What is it about?

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) influences resistance vessel function and is implicated in kidney injury processes. Previous studies revealed that S1P evoked potent vasoconstriction of renal microvasculature. In this paper, we revealed that several signaling pathways in the functional mechanisms of S1P in renal microvascular regulation.

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Why is it important?

Since the renal microvessels, mainly afferent arterioles we studied, are the dominant resistance element determining renal blood flow, impaired S1P signalling could negatively impact kidney function, and contribute to renal injury under kidney diseases such as ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury. Better understanding of the functional mechanisms of S1P in renal microvascular regulation could identify important factors contributing to the pathogenesis of renal microvascular dysfunction.