Therapeutic Strategies Targeting the Kidney–Liver–Immune–Heart Network: Circadian and Mechanosensory Pathways in CKD-Associated Cardiac Injury
The present review discusses vitamin A/retinoid metabolism as a cross-organ axis in which hepatic clock-dependent retinoid handling may affect immune clock gene expression through the stimulation of retinoic acid 6-Janus kinase 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 signaling, potentially promoting pro-inflammatory monocyte states. We further highlight mechanosensory signaling as a second convergent layer that integrates hemodynamic forces with tissue microenvironmental cues. Among these pathways, G protein-coupled receptor 68, a proton- and flow-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor, is discussed as a representative druggable node linking mechanical and inflammatory signaling in chronic kidney disease-associated cardiac injury. Finally, we outline potential therapeutic directions, including (i) circadian alignment/chronopharmacology, (ii) modulation of retinoid metabolism and signaling, and (iii) targeted inhibition of primary immune and mechanosensory effectors.
Authors
- Tomohito Tanihara
- Shigehiro Ohdo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4795-9764)
- Kengo Hamamura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9146-8554)
- Akito Tsuruta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0588-0302)
- Naoya Matsunaga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0004-4535)
- Satoru Koyanagi
Institutions
- Kyushu University (JP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Published
- 2026-04-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083436
- Primary Topic
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Japan Science and Technology Agency