PRNP and acute kidney injury: Since a prion protein (PrPC) functions as a ferrireductase at the apical side of the proximal tubule epithelial cells, and renal iron handling mechanisms differ from one nephron segment to another [66], we may speculate that some subset of AKI or CKD etiology may be based on disturbances in the PrPC function, and the identification of these subtypes may be helpful in delineating different causes of kidney failure to find better intervention strategies.