Authors: Huo W, Liu R, Zhang K, Nie J, Li Q, Jin F
Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), a recently discovered transmembrane protein, is expressed in dedifferentiated renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in damaged regions. Many studies have confirmed that KIM-1 is a specific marker of renal proximal tubular damage. Recently, more attention has been paid to its potential pathophysiological functions in renal injury or repair. A number of studies have illustrated the different functions of KIM-1 in various renal diseases, including its protective functions in acute kidney injury and damaging functions in chronic kidney disease. Although the exact functions of KIM-1 still remain unclear, some scientists speculate that KIM-1 may be a therapeutic target for kidney injury. In this review, so...