Expression of growth arrest-specific gene 6 and its receptors in dysfunctional human renal allografts.

Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) and its receptors Rse, Axl and Mer have recently been found to be involved in a rat model of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). Thus, in this study we investigated the function of Gas6 and its receptors in human renal allograft dysfunction. Expression of Gas6 and its receptors was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Gas6 and its receptors were widely expressed in glomeruli, tubules and vessels of renal allografts. Gas6 expression was detected in normal-functioning allografts and was increased in acute rejection ( P<0.05), acute tubular necrosis ( P<0.05) and CAN ( P<0.01). Gas6 receptors were not upregulated in any of the allograft groups, except for the Axl receptor, which increased only in acute tubular necrosis ( P<0.01). Gas6 expression was also found to correspond with the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a general marker of CAN ( r(2)=0.21, P<0.01). These findings suggest that Gas6, acting as a growth factor, is increased in the process of kidney allograft dysfunction and in CAN.