Title:Lipophagy: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Nephropathy
Volume: 30
Issue: 16
Author(s): Ming Yang, Panai Song, Li Zhao and Xi Wang*
Affiliation:
- Department of Nutrition, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,
Changsha, China
Keywords:
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), lipophagy, lipid droplet, lipid homeostasis, autophagy, kidney.
Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and
one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There are many factors causing
the progression of DN. Lipid metabolism disorder is a common clinical manifestation
of DN, and ectopic renal lipid deposition was recently proposed as a key factor promoting
the development of DN. Lipophagy is a newly discovered type of selective autophagy
that can remove excessive lipids in cells to maintain lipid homeostasis. Recently, abnormalities
in lipophagy have also been implicated in the progression of DN. Here, we
discuss the formation of lipid droplets, describe lipophagy and its key regulatory signals,
summarize the current research progress of lipophay in DN, and finally propose that
lipophagy may be a potential target for the treatment of DN.