Cytoskeletal Dynamics and Membrane Trafficking in Renal Physiology and Disease

The cytoskeleton is a fundamental component of cellular architecture, governing shape, polarity, adhesion, migration, and intra- and transcellular transport. It is essential for mechanotransduction, coordinating signal transduction and cellular responses to physiological and pathological challenges. Well-controlled cytoskeletal dynamics are critical for the structural and functional integrity of renal cells, including podocytes, endothelial cells, and tubular epithelial cells. Key kidney functions, such as glomerular filtration and tubular transport, rely on cytoskeleton-dependent polarity and barrier functions, while adaptation to stress and injury requires dynamic cytoskeletal remodeling.

Recent advances in molecular biology and imaging have revealed the central role of the cytoskeleton in injury responses. Dysregulation of cytoskeleton-dependent processes drives renal pathologies, including proteinuric diseases, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease/renal fibrosis. Cytoskeletal remodeling translates mechanical and biochemical cues into adaptive changes and also regulates gene expression through the localization, expression, and activity of transcription factors. Disruption of these mechanisms contributes to maladaptive responses and kidney disease.

Beyond its structural functions, the cytoskeleton is intimately linked to membrane trafficking pathways that are essential for renal physiology and pathology. Actin and microtubule networks regulate endocytosis, exocytosis, and polarized trafficking in kidney epithelial and endothelial cells. Crosstalk with lysosomal and endosomal trafficking further regulates protein reabsorption and autophagy, while mitochondria–ER–plasma membrane contact sites influence stress adaptation. Defects in these processes contribute to trafficking-related kidney diseases, including ciliopathies, proteinuric nephropathies, and polycystic kidney disease. Therapeutic strategies targeting cytoskeleton–trafficking cooperation, supported by advanced imaging, renal organoids, computational modeling, and multidisciplinary approaches, offer promising opportunities for treatment.

Therefore, this Research Topic aims to provide a platform for studies exploring the multifaceted roles of cytoskeletal and trafficking regulation in renal health and disease. We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives addressing the interplay between cytoskeletal dynamics and renal biology in both experimental and clinical settings.
Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Cytoskeleton regulation in podocytes, tubular epithelial cells, and endothelial cells
• Molecular mechanisms linking cytoskeleton dynamics to renal physiology and pathology
• Crosstalk between cytoskeletal remodeling and signaling pathways (e.g., Rho GTPases, integrins, mechanotransduction)
• Cytoskeleton-dependent gene expression in kidney cells
• Mechanotransduction and its role in kidney health and disease
• Cytoskeleton-driven processes in renal epithelial adaptation, injury, repair, and fibrosis
• Therapeutic strategies targeting cytoskeletal regulation in kidney diseases
• Advanced imaging, renal organoids, computational modeling, and proteomics approaches to study cytoskeleton–trafficking interactions

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• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
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• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Cytoskeleton dynamics, Membrane Trafficking, Endocytosis, Exocytosis, Renal Epithelial Polarity, Organelle Contact Sites, Autophagy, Golgi/ER–Cytoskeleton Interplay, Vesicular Tethering And Fusion, Trafficking-Related Kidney Disease

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