Mitochondrial DNA-dependent inflammation in kidney diseases.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and nonbacterial inflammation are common pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the pathophysiology of kidney disease has not been completely elucidated. Mitochondria have their own DNA, namely mitochondria DNA (mtDNA), which encodes key proteins in the mitochondrial respiratory complex. Leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm can lead to inflammation and this process has been reported to be involved in the development of a variety of diseases. Here we discuss the structure and function of mtDNA, more specifically, to emphasize it leaks into the cytoplasm and inflammatory activation pathways. Finally, the role of mtDNA in kidney diseases is also summarized and provides a direction for future research.