USP22 promotes angiotensin II-induced podocyte injury by deubiquitinating and stabilizing HMGB1.

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a significant global health burden, with hypertensive nephropathy (HN) as one of its primary causes. Podocyte injury is a key factor in the progression of CKD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying angiotensin II-induced podocyte injury remain incompletely understood. Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) has been reported to facilitate a range of cellular processes, including cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the role of USP22 in HN pathogenesis is unclear.

METHODS

The expression of USP22 was assessed in kidney samples from hypertensive nephropathy patients, angiotensin II-induced hypertensive nephropathy mouse models, and cultured podocytes treated with angiotensin II. Podocyte-specific USP22 knockout mice were used to investigate the effects of USP22 deletion on podocyte injury and inflammation.

RESULTS

USP22 expression was significantly upregulated in kidneys of HN patients, angiotensin II-induced mouse models, and cultured podocytes. Podocyte-specific deletion of USP22 markedly reduced angiotensin II-induced podocyte injury and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we identified high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) as a protein that interacts with USP22. USP22 deubiquitinated and stabilized HMGB1 through K48-linked ubiquitination. Downregulation of USP22 expression improved kidney function and pathological changes in HN by promoting HMGB1 degradation.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies USP22 as a key regulator of angiotensin II-induced podocyte injury and inflammation through its interaction with HMGB1. Our findings revealed that following glomerular injury, damage and shedding of tubular cells also occurred. Targeting the USP22-HMGB1 axis offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hypertensive nephropathy and other types of CKD.