Upregulation of AMWAP: a novel mechanism for HDAC inhibitors to protect against cisplatin nephrotoxicity

Histone deacetylases have been reported to protect against renal tubular damage in several animal models of acute renal injury, including cisplatin nephrotoxicity. However, the mechanism involved is not well defined. In this study, Ranganathan et al. identify activated microglia/macrophage WAP domain protein as the novel mediator of histone deacetylase inhibitor-mediated renal protection in a murine model of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Activated microglia/macrophage WAP-mediated renal protection is associated with suppression of inflammation and renal epithelial cell apoptosis.