Identifying fatty acid-binding protein 4 as a responsible gene for renal stone formation

(Nagoya City University) The present study revealed impairment of lipid metabolism in papillae with calcified plaque tissue and down-regulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) associated with plaque formation. Immunohistochemistry of human kidney specimens and experiments of nephrocalcinosis model mice and Fabp4 knockout mice validated FABP4 down-regulation as an important feature of papillary plaques and stone formation in the kidney. FABP4 appears to be a key molecule and therapeutic t...