Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein that is minimally expressed in healthy kidneys but is highly upregulated in proximal tubular epithelial cells following renal injury. In the context of acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD), KIM-1 is shed into the urine and circulation, making it a sensitive and early biomarker of tubular damage. Its expression correlates with the severity of injury, reflecting both cell stress and the reparative processes in the kidney. KIM-1 has also been implicated in processes such as inflammation, fibrosis, and the clearance of apoptotic cells, which broadens its relevance beyond simple detection of damage.
ELISA assays for rat KIM-1 allow for quantitative measurement of this protein in serum, plasma, or urine samples. In research, rat KIM-1 ELISAs are widely used in preclinical studies to evaluate nephrotoxicity, drug safety, and the mechanisms of kidney injury in animal models. They provide a non-invasive means of monitoring renal damage longitudinally, enabling the assessment of early injury before changes in conventional markers like serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen become apparent.
In a translational or clinical context, KIM-1 serves as a promising biomarker for early detection of kidney injury and for monitoring recovery or progression of disease. While primarily validated in preclinical studies, its use in clinical research could help identify patients at risk for AKI, evaluate therapeutic interventions, and improve prognosis by enabling timely interventions. KIM-1 measurement via ELISA thus bridges both basic research and potential clinical applications in nephrology.
This product is manufactured in USA by Eagle Biosciences.
| Size | 1 x 96 Well |
| Sensitivity | 0.039 ng/mL |
| Dynamic Range | 0.1 ng/mL – 10 ng/mL |
| Incubation Time | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Sample Type | Serum, plasma, urine |
| Storage | 2-8°C |
| Alternative Names | Kidney Injury Molecule-1, Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1, and TIM-1. |