Understanding How Urinary Tract-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Develops Through Cellular Aging —Toward Extending Healthy Lifespans in Humans and Animals—

Humans have long shared deep connections with animals, and living alongside companion animals has been shown to improve both mental and physical well-being. In recent years, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become increasingly common among both humans and animals, especially as they age.

Professor Ichii, the principal investigator of this project, has identified a previously unknown structure in the renal pelvis—known as urinary tract-associated lymphoid tissue (UTALS)—which may serve as a starting point for chronic inflammation and contribute to the progression and worsening of CKD. This research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind UTALS development with aging and to pave the way for innovative CKD prevention and treatment strategies by targeting UTALS in diverse biological species.