The response to kidney injury is epigenetically regulated through the activation of bivalent genes

American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Benjamin I. Tickman, Jacquelyn R. McDonald, Ryan L. McCarthy, Kiheon Suh, Daryl M. Okamura, Scott Robert Houghtaling, Sarah Collins, Yeji Bae, David R. Beier, Mark W. Majesky, Elizabeth Dong Nguyen
DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00367.2025
Cited by: 0
References: 84

Abstract

We performed the first identification of bivalent domains in the adult mouse kidney. We identified bivalent genes that, when activated after kidney injury, drive inflammation, proliferation, and fibrosis. Activation of bivalent genes is coordinated by transcription factors such as Spi1. Our research not only provides a valuable database of bivalent genes in the kidney but also demonstrates that activation of bivalent genes is crucial for the progression from acute to chronic kidney injury.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Acute Kidney Injury Research Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Research

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology
Volume
330
Issue
2
Pages
F238–F255
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN