I-mfa, Mesangial Cell TRPC1 Channel, and Regulation of GFR

What is it about?

Kidney functions as a filter to clean up blood and maintains appropriate volume of body fluid. How much water is filtered per minute in kidney, termed glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is tightly controlled. A change in GFR is associated with many kidney diseases. A chemical, called inhibitor of MyoD family A (I-mfa) is a protein within cells, which has many functions. However, what it does in kidney is not known. The present study examined the role of I-mfa in GFR regulation and the underlying mechanism using animal models in combination with many other studies in cultured kidney cells. We showed that I-mfa increased GFR by decreasing contractile function of a specific type of kidney cells. This effect of I-mfa was mediated by reducing calcium signals in the cells. The findings from the present study suggest a new signaling pathway in GFR regulation. Understanding of the I-mfa mechanism in kidney function may help design therapeutic strategy for patients with kidney disease.

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