Deciphering kidney injury and repair in COVID-19-associated AKI on a single-cell level
Final Report Abstract
This research project investigates why many COVID-19 patients develop acute kidney injury (AKI) and how this condition compares to AKI caused by other severe infections. Acute kidney injury is a common complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients, significantly increasing the risk of mortality and long-term kidney disease. However, while some patients recover their kidney function, others suffer from persistent damage. Our goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms driving COVID-19- associated AKI and identify potential therapeutic targets. Using state-of-the-art single-cell sequencing techniques, we analyze kidney tissue and urine samples from COVID-19 patients with AKI, as well as from patients with AKI caused by other infections. This approach allows us to identify specific cell types and signaling pathways affected by COVID-19-associated AKI. A particular focus is placed on the influence of viral particles on kidney cells and the immune response triggered by SARS-CoV-2. Our preliminary findings suggest that COVID-19 induces a stronger inflammatory response in the kidneys than other infections, which may contribute to tissue damage. The data obtained not only enhance our fundamental understanding of how kidneys respond to severe infections but may also lead to new diagnostic and treatment strategies for COVID-19-associated AKI. In the long run, this research could help minimize kidney damage in affected patients and improve survival outcomes. By bridging basic science with clinical relevance, this project has the potential to provide key insights into kidney disease treatment in the context of COVID-19.
Publications
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Single-cell transcriptomics reveals common epithelial response patterns in human acute kidney injury. Genome Medicine, 14(1).
Hinze, Christian; Kocks, Christine; Leiz, Janna; Karaiskos, Nikos; Boltengagen, Anastasiya; Cao, Shuang; Skopnik, Christopher Mark; Klocke, Jan; Hardenberg, Jan-Hendrik; Stockmann, Helena; Gotthardt, Inka; Obermayer, Benedikt; Haghverdi, Laleh; Wyler, Emanuel; Landthaler, Markus; Bachmann, Sebastian; Hocke, Andreas C.; Corman, Victor; Busch, Jonas ... & Schmidt-Ott, Kai M.
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Urinary single-cell sequencing captures kidney injury and repair processes in human acute kidney injury. Kidney International, 102(6), 1359-1370.
Klocke, Jan; Kim, Seung Joon; Skopnik, Christopher M.; Hinze, Christian; Boltengagen, Anastasiya; Metzke, Diana; Grothgar, Emil; Prskalo, Luka; Wagner, Leonie; Freund, Paul; Görlich, Nina; Muench, Frédéric; Schmidt-Ott, Kai M.; Mashreghi, Mir-Farzin; Kocks, Christine; Eckardt, Kai-Uwe; Rajewsky, Nikolaus & Enghard, Philipp
