Abstract: Agents and methods for treating, reducing or ameliorating pathological fibrosis and disease or disorders caused by or associated with excessive deposition of fibrous tissue, and methods of identifying suitable agents. Preferred agents modulate the level and/or activity of GPR124.

Abstract: Agents and methods for treating, reducing or ameliorating pathological fibrosis and disease or disorders caused by or associated with excessive deposition of fibrous tissue, and methods of identifying suitable agents. Preferred agents modulate the level and/or activity of GPR124.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for the use of Gli-1 as a specific marker for myofibroblast progenitor cells, thereby permitting the diagnosis of early stages of fibrosis prior to the onset of organ failure. Also provided herein are methods of isolating Gli-1+ cells for e.g., use in high-throughput screening of compounds for the treatment or prevention of fibrosis. In another aspect, provided herein are methods of treating or preventing fibrosis (e.g., kidney fibrosis) in a subject by administering a Gli inhibitor, particularly a Gli-2 inhibitor or a Gli-1/Gli-2 inhibitor.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for protecting cells and or tissues from damage due to ischemia. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to the protective action of cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors administered to subjects that have been exposed to, or that are at risk of, ischemia.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for the use of Gli-1 as a specific marker for myofibroblast progenitor cells, thereby permitting the diagnosis of early stages of fibrosis prior to the onset of organ failure. Also provided herein are methods of isolating Gli-1+ cells for e.g., use in high-throughput screening of compounds for the treatment or prevention of fibrosis. In another aspect, provided herein are methods of treating or preventing fibrosis (e.g., kidney fibrosis) in a subject by administering a Gli inhibitor, particularly a Gli-2 inhibitor or a Gli-1/Gli-2 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a method of inhibiting apoptosis in kidney epithelial cells after acute injury by modulating/inhibiting Nur77 induction/expression or function/activity in the cells. The invention further provides a method of preventing or treating an acute kidney injury in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a retinoic acid or retinoic acid derivative, and a method of preserving a kidney for transplant, comprising contacting the kidney with a solution that comprises a retinoic acid or a, retinoic acid derivative.