Review
Virology
Chia-Lin Shen, Bo-Sheng Wu, Tse-Jen Lien, An-Hang Yang, Chih-Yu Yang
Summary: BK polyomavirus nephropathy (BKVN) and allograft rejection are two closely-associated diseases in kidney transplant recipients, requiring a balanced immune system for treatment. While there is currently no standard curative therapy, patient outcomes can be improved through screening and reduction of immunosuppressants. New biomarkers and cellular therapy are being developed for the diagnosis and treatment of BKVN.
Article
Surgery
Essa Abuhelaiqa, Catherine Snopkowski, Carol Li, Steve Salvatore, John R. Lee, Thangamani Muthukumar, Jun B. Lee, Choli Hartono, Ruchuang Ding, Surya V. Seshan, Manikkam Suthanthiran, Darshana M. Dadhania
Summary: A composite signature of urinary cell level of PAI-1 mRNA and serum creatinine level measured at BKVN diagnosis is prognostic of graft failure in kidney transplant recipients. This study validates the use of composite signature and a specific threshold to identify those at risk for graft failure, supporting personalized treatment of BKVN.
CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xianfeng Zhou, Chunlong Zhu, Hui Li
Summary: This article reviews the mechanisms of BKV latency and reactivation, as well as the relationship between BKV and urologic tumors. The potential tumorigenesis of BKV in head and neck cancer and urologic cancer is discussed in depth, along with its infectious role in HIV-associated salivary gland disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Waseem Albasha, Golnaz Vahdani, Ankita Ashoka, Erika Bracamonte, Amy A. Yau
Summary: BK virus nephropathy, classically described in renal allografts, is increasingly recognized in native kidneys of non-renal solid organ transplants. This article discusses a 68-year-old woman with a history of bilateral lung transplant who was diagnosed with BK virus nephropathy. Despite treatment with reduced immunosuppression and intravenous cidofovir, the patient's clinical parameters did not improve. The challenges of screening and management in lung transplant recipients with polyoma virus nephropathy are also reviewed.
CLINICAL KIDNEY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Evert Cleenders, Priyanka Koshy, Elisabet Van Loon, Katrien Lagrou, Kurt Beuselinck, Graciela Andrei, Marta Crespo, Katrien De Vusser, Dirk Kuypers, Evelyne Lerut, Kris Mertens, Olga Mineeva-Sangwo, Parmjeet Randhawa, Aleksandar Senev, Robert Snoeck, Ben Sprangers, Claire Tinel, Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck, Jan van den Brand, Marc Van Ranst, Geert Verbeke, Maarten Coemans, Maarten Naesens
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the value of performing a biopsy at the time of BKPyV-DNAemia in distinguishing presumptive and proven PyVAN. The results showed that plasma viral load had good predictive value for SV40 positivity, while the dichotomy of SV40 immunohistochemistry did not predict viral clearance. Therefore, the distinction between presumptive and proven PyVAN based on SV40 immunohistochemistry has limited clinical value.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Kaitlin Nguyen, Adam Diamond, Antonio Di Carlo, Sunil Karhadkar
Summary: Retransplantation following BKVN-associated graft failure has been associated with favorable outcomes, and to maximize allograft lifespan in retransplantation, clinicians may consider selection of low KDPI donors, prevention of delayed graft function, and tailored immunosuppressive regimens that minimize steroids.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Virology
Ulrich Jehn, Sami Siam, Vanessa Wiening, Hermann Pavenstaedt, Stefan Reuter
Summary: Balancing the immune system is crucial in kidney transplant recipients, and belatacept may be a potential rescue therapy for patients with BK polyomavirus infection.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Ping Li, Dongrui Cheng, Jiqiu Wen, Xuefeng Ni, Kenan Xie, Xue Li, Jinsong Chen
Summary: The study found that conversion from MMF to MZR can help clear BKPyV infection. Patients who underwent initiation of MZR conversion therapy in the early stages of BKPyV infection maintained stable allograft function compared to BKPyVAN.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Fatemeh Nili, Maliheh Mohammadhoseini, Seyed Mohammadreza Khatami, Golnar Seirafi, Majidreza Haghzare
Summary: Early diagnosis and treatment of Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy (PVBKN) is challenging in kidney transplantation patients. Histopathologic diagnosis is the gold standard, but immunohistochemistry (IHC) can enhance diagnostic sensitivity for early detection. Routine IHC study for SV40 in transplanted kidney biopsy samples with new onset dysfunction will improve detection of early stage PVBKN.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Haris Omic, Johannes Phillip Klaeger, Harald Herkner, Stephan W. Aberle, Heinz Regele, Lukas Weseslindtner, Tarek Arno Schrag, Gregor Bond, Katharina Hohenstein, Bruno Watschinger, Johannes Werzowa, Robert Strassl, Michael Eder, Zeljko Kikic
Summary: This study shows that the decrease in absolute BK viral load is an independent risk factor for graft loss, indicating its importance in predicting short-term graft survival.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mee-Seon Kim, Jeong-Hoon Lim, Man-Hoon Han, Sang-Yeob Kim, Yun Jae Kim, Yong-Jin Kim
Summary: Renal allograft biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing kidney rejection. Using multiplex immunofluorescence staining, we identified different infiltrating mononuclear cell subsets in transplanted kidneys with acute T-cell-mediated rejection and BK virus-associated nephropathy. The prevalence of CD8+ cells was higher in acute TCMR, while CD20+ cells were more prevalent in BKVAN.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Xu-Tao Chen, Jiang Qiu, Zi-Xuan Wu, Hui Zhang, Tong Chen, Shi-Cong Yang, Guo-Dong Zhao, Yu He, Xue Shen, Jin-Quan Luo, Yang Huang, Chang-Xi Wang, Li-Zhong Chen, Cheng-Lin Wu, Gang Huang
Summary: Both plasma and urine donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) are sensitive markers for renal allograft injuries. The interpretation of a specific disease by dd-cfDNA should be combined with other clinical indicators.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Tobias F. Koyro, Emma Kraus, Sebastian Lunemann, Angelique Hoelzemer, Sonia Wulf, Johannes Jung, Pia Fittje, Florian Henseling, Christian Koerner, Tobias B. Huber, Adam Grundhoff, Thorsten Wiech, Ulf Panzer, Nicole Fischer, Marcus Altfeld
Summary: A recent study found that the activating natural killer cell receptor KIR3DS1 plays a protective role in controlling BK polyomavirus infection in the kidney, by regulating the interaction between HLA-F and KIR3DS1 to control disease progression, providing a rationale for exploring immunotherapeutic approaches for BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Ursula Tanriver, Florian Emmerich, Jonas Florian Hummel, Bernd Jaenigen, Marcus Panning, Frederic Arnold, Yakup Tanriver
Summary: The IFNL4 rs368234815 Delta G allele is not associated with BKPyV reactivation or the manifestation of BKPyVAN.
CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Virology
Yi-Jung Li, Hsin-Hsu Wu, Cheng-Hsu Chen, Hsu-Han Wang, Yang-Jen Chiang, Hsiang-Hao Hsu, See-Tong Pang, Robert Y. L. Wang, Ya-Chung Tian
Summary: The study demonstrates that BKPyVAN patients have increased risk of allograft losses, higher incidence of UTC, lower cancer-free survival rate, and earlier onset of UTC compared to non-BKPyVAN patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Erik Lagolio, Jacopo Demurtas, Roberto Buzzetti, Giorgio Cortassa, Stefania Bottone, Laura Spadafora, Cristina Cocino, Lee Smith, Thomas Benzing, Maria Cristina Polidori
Summary: The study aimed to develop an accurate predictor of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients through retrospective analysis of clinical and biochemical indicators at an emergency department. Findings showed that LDH, P/F ratio, and Braden score were the best indicators for predicting poor outcomes.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Hematology
Lucas Kuehne, Linus A. Voelker, Henning Hagmann, Holger Haegele, Thomas Osterholt, Dennis A. Eichenauer, Andreas Thomas, Johanna Breuer, Berthold Gruettner, Ingo Gottschalk, Martin Kann, Thomas Benzing, Mario Thevis, Annette M. Mueller, Paul T. Brinkkoetter
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Bjorn Reusch, Malte P. Bartram, Claudia Dafinger, Nicolas Palacio-Escat, Andrea Wenzel, Robert A. Fenton, Julio Saez-Rodriguez, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing, Janine Altmueller, Bodo B. Beck, Markus M. Rinschen
Summary: Mutations in the MAGED2 gene can cause Bartter Syndrome type 5, characterized by the loss of urinary concentration capability and large urine volumes. The MAGED2 gene is expressed in mouse embryonic kidneys and its knockdown affects protein phosphorylation in kidney cells. This study provides insights into the role of MAGED2 in cellular signalling and potential implications for development and disease.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Linus Butt, David Unnersjoe-Jess, Martin Hoehne, Robert Hahnfeldt, Dervla Reilly, Markus M. Rinschen, Ingo Plagmann, Paul Diefenhardt, Sebastian Braehler, Paul T. Brinkkoetter, Hjalmar Brismar, Hans Blom, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing
Summary: This study demonstrated the pathogenic effect of podocin R231Q on its own, supporting the notion of podocin R229Q contributing to genetic predisposition in adult patients.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Sybille Koehler, Johanna Odenthal, Vivian Ludwig, David Unnersjo Jess, Martin Hoehne, Christian Juengst, Ferdi Grawe, Martin Helmstaedter, Johanna L. Janku, Carsten Bergmann, Peter F. Hoyer, H. Henning Hagmann, Gerd Walz, Wilhelm Bloch, Carien Niessen, Bernhard Schermer, Andreas Wodarz, Barry Denholm, Thomas Benzing, Sandra Iden, Paul T. Brinkkoetter
Summary: Podocyte injury is a major cause of glomerular diseases. The Par3 polarity complex is linked to actin regulators that maintain podocyte architecture. Par3A and Par3B have distinct functions in regulating cytoskeleton and synaptopodin localization.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Johanna Odenthal, Sebastian Dittrich, Vivian Ludwig, Tim Merz, Katrin Reitmeier, Bjoern Reusch, Martin Hoehne, Zuelfue C. Cosgun, Maximilian Hohenadel, Jovana Putnik, Heike Goebel, Markus M. Rinschen, Janine Altmueller, Sybille Koehler, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing, Bodo B. Beck, Paul T. Brinkkoetter, Sandra Habbig, Malte P. Bartram
Summary: This study reports a case of a 4-year-old boy with proteinuria and biopsy-proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Molecular genetic testing identified a novel mutation in alpha-actinin-4 that is associated with the disease. The study showed that the mutation led to decreased stability of alpha-actinin-4, protein mislocalization, and cytoskeleton rearrangements. Using a Drosophila model, the researchers demonstrated the pathogenicity of the mutation.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Patrick Affeldt, Felix Carlo Koehler, Karl August Brensing, Martin Gies, Eva Platen, Vivien Adam, Linus Butt, Franziska Grundmann, Eva Heger, Steffen Hinrichs, Nils Kalisch, Simon Oehm, Gertrud Steger, Maike Wirtz, Thomas Benzing, Dirk Stippel, Florian Klein, Christine Kurschat, Roman-Ulrich Mueller, Veronica Di Cristanziano
Summary: This study investigated the immune response to a third or fourth dose of mRNA vaccine in dialysis and kidney transplant patients. It found that patients with impaired immune function had a poorer immune response to the vaccine, especially against the new omicron variants. Modified vaccines targeting the omicron variant are needed.
Article
Cell Biology
Henning Hagmann, Naghmeh Hassanzadeh Khayyat, Cem Oezel, Antonios Papadakis, Alexander Kuczkowski, Thomas Benzing, Erich Gulbins, Stuart Dryer, Paul T. Brinkkoetter
Summary: This study investigates the effects of altered cellular lipid composition due to PON2 deficiency on cellular signaling in glomerular disease. PON2-deficient mice exhibit changes in lipid composition similar to glomerular disease and increased susceptibility to glomerular damage. The study further reveals the impact of membrane stretch on TRPC6 conductance and the partial rescue of glomerular phenotype with concomitant knockout of TRPC6 and PON2.
Article
Cell Biology
Henning Hagmann, Naghmeh Hassanzadeh Khayyat, Mahsa Matin, Cem Oezel, He Chen, Astrid Schauss, Christoph Schell, Thomas Benzing, Stuart Dryer, Paul T. Brinkkoetter
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in diabetes and systemic inflammatory diseases modify cellular lipids, which in turn affect the biophysical properties of cellular membranes. This study investigates the impact of lipid peroxidation on TRPC6 activity and glomerular function.
Article
Cell Biology
Emilia Kieckhofer, Gisela G. Slaats, Lena K. Ebert, Marie-Christine Albert, Claudia Dafinger, Hamid Kashkar, Thomas Benzing, Bernhard Schermer
Summary: Deletion of cilia in renal epithelial cells enhances susceptibility to necroptotic cell death.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maximilian Lenz, Arne Harland, Philipp Egenolf, Maximilian Horbach, Clara von Hodenberg, Paul T. Brinkkoetter, Thomas Benzing, Peer Eysel, Max J. Scheyerer
Summary: This study evaluated kidney function as a risk factor for increased morbidity of pyogenic spondylodiscitis by correlating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with the patients' clinical course. The study found that patients with a GFR < 59 mL/min had a longer hospital stay, higher mortality rate, increased postoperative complications, and a higher rate of ICU stay.
EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Martin R. Spaeth, K. Johanna R. Hoyer-Allo, Lisa Seufert, Martin Hoehne, Christina Lucas, Theresa Bock, Lea Isermann, Susanne Brodesser, Jan-Wilm Lackmann, Katharina Kiefer, Felix C. Koehler, Katrin Bohl, Michael Ignarski, Petra Schiller, Marc Johnsen, Torsten Kubacki, Franziska Grundmann, Thomas Benzing, Aleksandra Trifunovic, Marcus Krueger, Bernhard Schermer, Volker Burst, Roman-Ulrich Mueller
Summary: By studying the kidneys of mice under conditions of hypoxia and caloric restriction (CR), researchers discovered the significant role of the KYNU gene in the nephroprotective effect of CR. They also found that CR induces a novel pathway for NAD+ synthesis, which was also observed in humans.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
David Unnersjoe-Jess, Linus Butt, Martin Hoehne, German Sergei, Arash Fatehi, Anna Witasp, Annika Wernerson, Jaakko Patrakka, Peter F. Hoyer, Hans Blom, Bernhard Schermer, Katarzyna Bozek, Thomas Benzing
Summary: We developed a deep learning-based method, AMAP, for the segmentation and quantitative analysis of foot processes in kidney images. AMAP accurately assessed the morphological features of podocyte foot processes and showed differences in various kidney diseases. The findings suggest that AMAP could be used as a supplemental tool for personalized diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cedric Debes, Antonios Papadakis, Sebastian Groenke, Oezlem Karalay, Luke S. Tain, Athanasia Mizi, Shuhei Nakamura, Oliver Hahn, Carina Weigelt, Natasa Josipovic, Anne Zirkel, Isabell Brusius, Konstantinos Sofiadis, Mantha Lamprousi, Yu-Xuan Lu, Wenming Huang, Reza Esmaillie, Torsten Kubacki, Martin R. Spaeth, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing, Roman-Ulrich Mueller, Adam Antebi, Linda Partridge, Argyris Papantonis, Andreas Beyer
Summary: During ageing, impairment of cellular processes such as transcription and RNA splicing compromises physiological homeostasis. This study reveals that transcriptional elongation speed and RNA splicing are correlated with age across different species, and lifespan-extending interventions can reverse these changes. These findings uncover fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying animal ageing and lifespan extension.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Osterholt, Polina Todorova, Lucas Kuehne, Rasmus Ehren, Lutz Thorsten Weber, Franziska Grundmann, Thomas Benzing, Paul Thomas Brinkkoetter, Linus Alexander Voelker
Summary: Minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are treated with immunosuppression, but relapses remain a challenge. Rituximab, a B-cell-depleting therapy, shows promise in adult patients with limited evidence. A study on 13 patients with MCD/FSGS who received rituximab therapy showed improved disease activity and increased relapse-free survival, suggesting that a relapse-based approach may reduce long-term side effects and costs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)