EphrinB2 alleviates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is characterized by progressive fibrosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to renal dysfunction. EphrinB2, a cell surface protein, has been implicated in tissue repair and fibrosis, but its role in DKD remains poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of EphrinB2 expression on renal fibrosis, mitochondrial dynamics, and cellular signaling pathways in DKD.

METHODS

EphrinB2 expression and function were investigated in renal tissues from DKD patients, STZ-induced diabetic mice, and HG-treated HK-2 cells. EphrinB2 overexpression was achieved using AAV in vivo and lentiviral vectors in vitro. Functional assessments included histological and biochemical evaluations, while mechanistic studies utilized siRNA knockdown, pathway-specific inhibitors and activators, and co-immunoprecipitation to explore the role of the Epac1-Rap1 signaling pathway in EphrinB2-mediated antifibrotic and mitochondrial protective effects.

RESULTS

EphrinB2 expression was significantly downregulated in the kidneys of DKD patients and STZ-induced diabetic mice, correlating with increased fibrosis and tubular injury. Overexpression of EphrinB2 (EphrinB2-OE) in diabetic mice restored renal function, reduced fibrosis, alleviated oxidative stress, and preserved mitochondrial structure. In HK-2 cells, EphrinB2-OE mitigated HG-induced fibrosis, reduced ROS levels, and restored MMP and ATP production. Mechanistically, EphrinB2-OE enhanced the Epac1-Rap1 pathway, stabilizing Epac1 protein and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α. Additionally, EphrinB2-OE modulated the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and preventing β-catenin nuclear translocation, and preserving epithelial integrity and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

CONCLUSIONS

EphrinB2 exerts protective effects against renal fibrosis and dysfunction in diabetic conditions by regulating fibrosis pathways, mitochondrial dynamics, and epithelial stability. Targeting EphrinB2 signaling presents a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic kidney disease.