Current advances in protein phosphatases in kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a large portion of the global population and is characterized by alterations in kidney function. Unfortunately, patients who progress to end-stage kidney disease have little chance of kidney function reversal and will ultimately need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of CKD progression is critical for developing new therapies. Protein phosphatases are essential regulators of signal transduction in the normal function of cells. The deregulation of different protein phosphatases has been associated with kidney disease onset and progression. This review aims to highlight the recent advances in the role of protein phosphatases in kidney health and disease. Mainly, attention will be brought to three of the four main families of protein phosphatases (serine/threonine, protein tyrosine, and dual-specificity phosphatases). Since kidney disease encompasses a wide range of pathologies, this review will focus on glomerulopathies, diabetic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and advanced CKD/fibrosis. • Protein phosphatase modulation can be pathology and cell specific. • The modulation of PTEN: a target in all types of CKD. • Serine/threonine phosphatases are at the forefront of glomerulopathy studies. • microRNAs targeting protein phosphatases as an emerging subject in kidney disease.