Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling during acute kidney injury: the tissue is the issue

Sphingosine-1-phosphate is a lipid mediator that has been implicated in protection from acute kidney injury (AKI) by activation of the sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 receptor (S1P 1 R). The research team of H. Thomas Lee demonstrates that mice with induced deletion of S1P 1 R on endothelial cells experience increased ischemia-induced AKI. These findings have important translational implications. Indeed, S1P 1 R agonists have been used for the treatment of patients suffering from autoimmune encephalitis. Endothelial S1P 1 R signaling could be targeted for AKI prevention in surgical patients.