Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Kidney Diseases: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Targets

Kidney diseases remain a major public health concern associated with increasing morbidity and the mortality of millions of people globally. Recently, the prevalence of kidney diseases has increased significantly. Their pathological hallmarks include the excessive accumulation and deposition of the extracellular matrix, mesangiolysis, the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and many more, which eventually lead to the loss of kidney function. As the pathogenesis of kidney diseases is multifactorial, several experimental models have recently been established to mimic clinical situations and provide a mechanistic understanding of various renal pathologies, with the aim of identifying and developing potential therapeutic targets. These models have been utilized to identify several underlying molecular mechanisms, including the following: the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Jak/Stat, and inflammatory signaling pathways; the activation of the renal hydrogen sulfide system; the induction of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic pathways; the activation of fibroblasts and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; and mitochondrial dysfunction. Targeting these molecular mechanisms has proven to be beneficial and offers huge potential for developing novel therapies. This Special Issue focuses on recent developments in research on the pathophysiology of kidney diseases and their therapeutic targets for diagnosis and treatment.