The long-term objective of this proposal is to identify the role of non-coding RNAs and their target genes that could potentially contribute to the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We propose to convincingly establish the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Tug1 (Taurine up-regulated gene 1) and its downstream targets as key mediators and potential therapeutic targets in DN. Our hypothesis is based on several novel observations: 1) we have found that Tug1 overexpression in vivo can attenuate progression of diabetic nephropathy, 2) we have identified for the first time a direct physical interaction between a long noncoding RNA and PGC-1? (the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ? coactivator 1a or Ppargc1a), a master regulator of mitochondria transcriptional program, 3) mechanistically, we show that Tug1 binds to an upstream enhancer element of the PGC-1? gene to regulate PGC-1? transcription, and 4) the interaction between Tug1 and PGC-1? modulates mitochondrial bioenergetics. These results provide compelling initial evidence that Tug1 represents a therapeutic target that might be useful in improving mitochondrial function in DN.
In aim 1, we will test whether Tug1-mediated renoprotection in DN is accomplished through a PGC-1?-dependent improvement in mitochondrial bioenergetics in vivo. By adapting a genetic approach, we will address two central questions in this aim: 1) does targeting PGC-1? in podocytes modulate the course of DN progression? and 2) is the effect of Tug1-mediated renoprotection primarily accomplished via its direct regulatory role on PGC-1?? In aim 2, we will examine whether Tug1 exerts PGC- 1?-independent effects in podocytes. It is well recognized that non-coding RNAs have numerous targets, and we recognize that other targets of Tug1 may also contribute to the modulatory effects of Tug1. In this regards, we have unexpectedly uncovered a novel role for Tug1 as a potential regulator of Wilm's Tumor 1 (WT1), a master podocyte transcription factor. We hypothesize that Tug1 exerts a regulatory role on podocytes homeostasis via its modulatory role on WT1 and its related targets. Finally, in Aim 3, we will examine the mechanisms by which Tug1 is regulated in the diabetic milieu. The findings of this application will provide a significant advance in three aspects: first, this proposal represents a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of patients with DN. Second, our research will shed further light on the pathobiology of PGC-1? in DN. And finally, we will employ a genetic approach to validate a direct link between Tug1 and its downstream targets involved in the pathogenesis of DN.

Public Health Relevance

Diabetic nephropathy remains a major unmet medical need, prompting intensive efforts to identify molecular drivers of the disease for which targeted therapies might be developed. The current application introduces an exciting new area of research into the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease by implicating the essential regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs in the development of diabetic kidney disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK091310-08
Application #
9353760
Study Section
Pathobiology of Kidney Disease Study Section (PBKD)
Program Officer
Rys-Sikora, Krystyna E
Project Start
2011-09-15
Project End
2021-07-31
Budget Start
2017-08-01
Budget End
2018-07-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Hospitals
DUNS #
800772139
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
Galvan, Daniel L; Green, Nathanael H; Danesh, Farhad R (2017) The hallmarks of mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int 92:1051-1057
Galvan, Daniel L; Badal, Shawn S; Long, Jianyin et al. (2017) Real-time in vivo mitochondrial redox assessment confirms enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in diabetic nephropathy. Kidney Int 92:1282-1287
Badal, Shawn S; Wang, Yin; Long, Jianyin et al. (2016) miR-93 regulates Msk2-mediated chromatin remodelling in diabetic nephropathy. Nat Commun 7:12076
Long, Jianyin; Badal, Shawn S; Ye, Zengchun et al. (2016) Long noncoding RNA Tug1 regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics in diabetic nephropathy. J Clin Invest 126:4205-4218
Galvan, Daniel L; Danesh, Farhad R (2016) Paradoxical Role of IL-17 in Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 27:657-8
Ayanga, Bernard A; Badal, Shawn S; Wang, Yin et al. (2016) Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Deficiency Improves Mitochondrial Fitness and Protects against Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 27:2733-47
Badal, Shawn S; Danesh, Farhad R (2015) Diabetic Nephropathy: Emerging Biomarkers for Risk Assessment. Diabetes 64:3063-5
Badal, Shawn S; Danesh, Farhad R (2015) MicroRNAs and their applications in kidney diseases. Pediatr Nephrol 30:727-40
Badal, Shawn S; Danesh, Farhad R (2014) New insights into molecular mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis 63:S63-83
Long, Jianyin; Badal, Shawn S; Wang, Yin et al. (2013) MicroRNA-22 is a master regulator of bone morphogenetic protein-7/6 homeostasis in the kidney. J Biol Chem 288:36202-14

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