Up-to-Date of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein as a Multifunctional Cytokine in Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology

Dear Colleagues,

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP) was initially isolated from hypercalcemia-associated tumors. PTHrP later emerged as a pleiotropic growth factor/cytokine, participating in a variety of homeostatic networks: a regulator of vasodilatation, inflammation, cell proliferation, and differentiation in the vast majority of normal tissues. PTHrP and its characterized PTH/PTHrP type 1 receptor are widely expressed in the kidney, where PTHrP exerts a modulatory role on renal function. Furthermore, PTHrP is known to be upregulated in several experimental nephropathies, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), obstructive nephropathy (ON), as well as both experimental and human diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this Special Issue of Biomolecules is to provide an updated view of PTHrP as an important renal cytokine and its impact on renal physiology and pathophysiology. For this purpose, contributions were selected based on the expertise of recognized scientists in the field. Discussions in this volume include the described features of PTHrP as a survival factor for glomerular mesangial and tubular cells, as well as a modulator of kidney vasculature and glomerular filtration. In addition, data are reported on PTHrP displaying proinflammatory and profibrogenic actions, including the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, in the acutely damaged kidney. PTHrP participation in the mechanisms of renal hypertrophy as well as proteinuria in DN is also discussed.

Moreover, the content of this journal issue deals with the interaction between angiotensin II (Ang II), a critical factor in renal injury, and PTHrP in the injured kidney, providing novel insights into the renal protection conferred by Ang II antagonists, and paving the way for new therapeutic approaches. Recent data showing that PTHrP is excreted in the urine and correlated with renal function are critically discussed; specifically, the possibility that PTHrP could represent a novel urinary biomarker. In summary, we hope the different topics regarding PTHrP in the renal system presented in this volume will be found to be attractive for both basic and clinical researchers in the field.

Prof. Ricardo José Bosch
Dr. Pedro Esbrit
Guest Editors

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• Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP)
• Acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Obstructive nephropathy (ON)
• Inflammation
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Renal biomarker
• Fibrosis, apoptosis