Research Projects

Studies on ochratoxin A (OTA) mycotoxin-mediated toxicity have shown its potential in kidney toxicity due to its high binding affinity to serum albumin and quick absorption from kidney transporters. OTA inhibits protein synthesis and ATP production, causing oxidative stress in the kidney. However, in-depth mechanistic insights into OTA-induced renal toxicity have not been explored. Recent research suggests that exosomes, nano-sized membrane-bound vesicles (30-150 nm), play a crucial role in disease pathophysiology. Diseased cells secrete a higher number of exosomes, which are taken up by healthy recipient cells. Exosomes contain distinct cargo, such as lipids, RNA, and proteins, which communicate information to recipient cells and contribute to disease initiation and progression. Chronic exposure to low-dose OTA to normal kidney cells or Wistar rats caused toxicity and secreted a higher number of exosomes. This study aims to identify OTA-induced exosomal miRNAs and proteins and elucidate their functional role in OTA-caused renal toxicity. The findings will provide insights into the mechanism/s of OTA-induced exosomes-mediated renal toxicity and provide the foundation for designing early diagnostic interventions in the future.