Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1)
Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1)
Definition:
Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1), also known as HAVCR1 or TIM1, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed predominantly in renal proximal tubular cells. It is recognized as a sensitive and specific biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI) and has roles in cell signaling, inflammation, and tissue repair.
Importance as a Biomarker:
- Early Detection of Kidney Injury: KIM-1 levels increase significantly in urine following kidney injury, making it an early indicator of acute renal damage compared to traditional markers like serum creatinine.
- Correlation with Kidney Damage: The urinary concentration of KIM-1 correlates well with the extent of kidney injury and can provide insights into the severity of renal damage.
- Prognostic Value: Elevated KIM-1 levels have been associated with worse outcomes in various kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic nephropathy.
Mechanisms of Action:
KIM-1 plays several roles in renal pathophysiology:
- Phagocytic Activity: KIM-1 enables renal epithelial cells to recognize and engulf apoptotic cells, contributing to the clearance of dead cells and tissue repair.
- Inflammatory Modulation: It helps regulate inflammatory responses during kidney injury, promoting an environment conducive to healing.
- Cellular Regeneration: KIM-1 is involved in signaling pathways that facilitate the regeneration of renal tubular cells post-injury.
Clinical Applications:
KIM-1 is utilized in various clinical settings:
- Biomarker for AKI: Its presence in urine serves as a reliable biomarker for diagnosing AKI in both clinical practice and research settings.
- Monitoring Disease Progression: KIM-1 levels can be monitored over time to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and disease progression in chronic kidney diseases.
References
- Understanding Kidney Injury Molecule 1: A Novel Immune Factor in Kidney Disease
This review discusses the multifaceted roles of KIM-1 in kidney injury and its potential as a therapeutic target.
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00570 - Kidney Injury Molecule-1: A Urinary Biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury
This article reviews KIM-1’s role as a urinary biomarker for AKI and its implications for patient management.
DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp293 - The Role of KIM-1 in Renal Disease
This study provides insights into the biological functions of KIM-1 and its potential applications in diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases.
DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2009.07.007 - KIM-1: A Novel Biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury
This paper discusses the sensitivity of KIM-1 compared to traditional markers like creatinine for detecting renal injury.
DOI: 10.1007/s11255-009-9645-y
