KLF6 enhances ferroptosis in S-AKI through the NCOA4/ACSL4/LPCAT3 axis.

BACKGROUND

Septic acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), but no effective therapies exist to prevent or treat it. Although KLF6 is linked to various pathophysiological processes, its exact role in S-AKI is not yet fully understood.

METHODS

The role of KLF was investigated using both the mouse CLP model and in vitro systems. To identify the transcriptional targets regulated by KLF6, ChIP-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays were carried out. Biochemical and cellular techniques were employed to assess cellular injury and lipid peroxidation levels. The extent of ferroptosis was evaluated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

KLF6 levels were significantly increased in a renal IRI model. Knockdown of KLF6 using AAV9 reduced kidney injury in both in vitro and in vivo models, while KLF6 overexpression aggravated injury. Overexpression of KLF6 promoted ferroptosis, whereas its knockdown reduced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. KLF6 regulates NCOA4 expression by binding to its promoter, controlling ferroptosis. Knockdown of NCOA4 in vitro alleviated ferroptosis and cellular damage caused by KLF6 overexpression. Pharmacological inhibition of KLF6 reduced kidney injury and ferroptosis in S-AKI mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study uncovered a previously unrecognized role for KLF6 in S-AKI. By facilitating NCOA4 transcription, KLF6 intensified ferroptosis, which, in turn, aggravated septic AKI.