← brief for 2026-09-07 · Slowing decline

An Acidic Tubulointerstitial Microenvironment Delays Cell-Cycle Progression in Proximal Tubule Cells and Fibroblasts and Synergizes With Lactate to Drive Phenotypic Alterations.

Key takeaways

Researchers grew human kidney filter-tube cells and scar-forming cells in acid, the condition seen inside damaged kidneys. The acid slowed the cells' growth cycle, and adding lactate, a waste product of burning sugar, pushed the cells further toward a scarring state. This was done in cells in the lab, not in people. It offers a possible reason why acid buildup tracks with faster kidney damage, but nothing here has been tested in patients.

Who did this work

Schulz MC · Dubourg V · Schaude L · Schröder N · Janßen E · Görlich I · Ruhs S · Kopf M · Gekle M

Source

Article · PubMed, CKD progression · 2026 Oct
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42703650/