AT2R deficiency in mice accelerates podocyte dysfunction in diabetic progeny in a sex-dependent manner

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F deficiency in mouse podocyte promotes podocytopathy mediated by methyltransferase-like 14 nuclear translocation resulting in Sirtuin 1 gene inhibition

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F (HnRNP F) is a key regulator for nucleic acid metabolism; however, whether HnRNP F expression is important in maintaining podocyte integrity is unclear. Nephroseq analysis from a registry of human kidney biopsies was performed. Age- and sex-matched podocyte-specific HnRNP F knockout (HnRNP FPOD KO) mice and control (HnRNP Ffl/fl) were studied. Podocytopathy was induced in male mice (more susceptible) either by adriamycin (ADR)- or low-dose streptozotocin treatment for 2 or 8 weeks. The mouse podocyte cell line (mPODs) was used in vitro. Nephroseq data in three human cohorts were varied greatly. Both sexes of HnRNP FPOD KO mice were fertile and appeared grossly normal. However, male 20-week-old HnRNP FPOD KO than HnRNP Ffl/fl mice had increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and lower expression of podocyte markers. ADR- or diabetic- HnRNP FPOD KO (vs. HnRNP Ffl/fl) mice had more severe podocytopathy. Moreover, methyltransferase-like 14 (Mettl14) gene expression was increased in podocytes from HnRNP FPOD KO mice, further enhanced in ADR- or diabetic-treated HnRNP FPOD KO mice. Consequently, this elevated Mettl14 expression led to sirtuin1 (Sirt1) inhibition, associated with podocyte loss. In mPODs, knock-down of HnRNP F promoted Mettl14 nuclear translocation, which was associated with podocyte dysmorphology and Sirt1 inhibition-mediated podocyte loss. This process was more severe in ADR- or high glucose- treated mPODs. Conclusion: HnRNP F deficiency in podocytes promotes podocytopathy through activation of Mettl14 expression and its nuclear translocation to inhibit Sirt1 expression, underscoring the protective role of HnRNP F against podocyte injury.

Evolving views on the first two ligands of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor. From putative antagonists to potential agonists?

The renin-angiotensin system is one of the most complex regulatory systems that controls multiple organ functions. One of its key components, angiotensin II (Ang II), stimulates two G-protein coupled class A receptors: the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor and the Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptor. While stimulation of the AT1 receptor causes G-protein-dependent signaling and arrestin recruitment, the AT2 receptor seems to have a constitutively active-like conformation and appears to act via G-protein-dependent and -independent pathways. Overstimulation of the AT1 receptor may lead to unwanted effects like inflammation and fibrosis. In contrast, stimulation of the AT2 receptor leads to opposite effects thus restoring the balance. However, the role of the AT2 receptor has become controversial due to beneficial effects of putative AT2 receptor antagonists. The two first synthetic AT2 receptor-selective ligands, peptide CGP42112 and small molecule PD123319, were initially both considered antagonists. CGP42112 was subsequently considered a partial agonist and it was recently demonstrated to be a full agonist. Based on the search-term PD123319 in Pubmed, 1652 studies have investigated putative AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319. Here, we put forward literature that shows beneficial effects of PD123319 alone, even at doses too low for antagonist efficacy. These beneficial effects appear compatible with agonist-like activity via the AT2 receptor. Taken together, a more consistent image of a therapeutic role of stimulated AT2 receptor emerges which may clarify current controversies.

Long-term outcomes and potential mechanisms of offspring exposed to intrauterine hyperglycemia

Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy, which can be classified into pregestational diabetes and gestational diabetes, has become much more prevalent worldwide. Maternal diabetes fosters an intrauterine abnormal environment for fetus, which not only influences pregnancy outcomes, but also leads to fetal anomaly and development of diseases in later life, such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, neuropsychiatric outcomes, reproduction malformation, and immune dysfunction. The underlying mechanisms are comprehensive and ambiguous, which mainly focus on microbiota, inflammation, reactive oxygen species, cell viability, and epigenetics. This review concluded with the influence of intrauterine hyperglycemia on fetal structure development and organ function on later life and outlined potential mechanisms that underpin the development of diseases in adulthood. Maternal diabetes leaves an effect that continues generations after generations through gametes, thus more attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of diabetes to rescue the pathological attacks of maternal diabetes from the offspring.

Protecting glomerulus: role of angiotensin-II type 2 receptor

Podocyte injury due to either drug, toxin, infection, or metabolic abnormality is a great concern as it increases the risk of developing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and proteinuric kidney diseases. The direct podocyte injury due to doxorubicin is associated with an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and induction of cathepsin L. The increased activity of cathepsin L in turn may degrade the glomerular slit diaphragm resulting in proteinuric kidney injury. The angiotensin-II type 2 receptor (AT2R) has earlier been reported to be associated with the preservation of slit diaphragm proteins and prevention of proteinuria. Recent in vivo findings by Zhang and colleagues further support the anti-proteinuric role of AT2R in preventing podocyte injury via down-regulating cytokines ccl2, and hence, cathepsin L, thereby, limiting the progression of FSGS.

Angiotensin II type-2-receptor stimulation ameliorates focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis in mice

Podocyte damage and loss are the early event in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Podocytes express angiotensin II type-2-receptor (AT2R), which may play a key role in maintaining kidney integrity and function. Here, we examined the effects of AT2R deletion and AT2R agonist compound 21 (C21) on the evolution of FSGS. FSGS was induced by adriamycin (ADR) injection in both male wild-type (WT) and AT2R knockout (KO) mice. C21 was administered to WT-FSGS mice either one day before or 7 days after ADR (Pre-C21 or Post-C21), using two doses of C21 at either 0.3 (low dose, LD) or 1.0 (high dose, HD) mg/kg/day. ADR-induced FSGS was more severe in AT2RKO mice compared with WT-FSGS mice, and included profound podocyte loss, glomerular fibrosis, and albuminuria. Glomerular cathepsin L expression increased more in AT2RKO-FSGS than in WT-FSGS mice. C21 treatment ameliorated podocyte injury, most significantly in the Pre C21-HD group, and inhibited glomerular cathepsin L expression. In vitro, Agtr2 knock-down in mouse podocyte cell line given ADR confirmed the in vivo data. Mechanistically, C21 inhibited cathepsin L expression, which protected synaptopodin from destruction and stabilized actin cytoskeleton. C21 also prevented podocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, AT2R activation by C21 ameliorated ADR-induced podocyte injury in mice by the inhibition of glomerular cathepsin L leading to the maintenance of podocyte integrity and prevention of podocyte apoptosis.