Rat nephrin modulates cell morphology via the adaptor protein Nck

The role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications

Insulin resistance, the most important characteristic of the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is mostly caused by impairment in the insulin receptor (IR) signal transduction pathway. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), one of the main negative regulators of the IR signaling pathway, is broadly expressed in various cells and tissues. PTP1B decreases the phosphorylation of the IR resulting in insulin resistance in various tissues. The evidence for the physiological role of PTP1B in regulation of metabolic pathways came from whole-body PTP1B-knockout mice. Whole-body and tissue-specific PTP1B-knockout mice showed improvement in adiposity, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance. In addition, the key role of PTP1B in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its complications was further investigated in mice models of PTP1B deficient/overexpression. In recent years, targeting PTP1B using PTP1B inhibitors is being considered an attractive target to treat T2DM. PTP1B inhibitors improve the sensitivity of the insulin receptor and have the ability to cure insulin resistance-related diseases. We herein summarized the biological functions of PTP1B in different tissues in vivo and in vitro. We also describe the effectiveness of potent PTP1B inhibitors as pharmaceutical agents to treat T2DM.

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction attenuates Podocyte cytoskeletal protein damage in IgA nephropathy rats by regulating AT1R/Nephrin/c-Abl pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction(HQGZWWD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula from Synopsis of Golden Chamber used to treat blood arthralgia. According to the principle that the same treatment can be used for different diseases, HQGZWWD has proven effective for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) associated with spleen and kidney yang deficiency.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which HQGZWWD alleviates proteinuria and protects renal function in rats with IgAN by regulating the AT1R/Nephrin/c-Abl pathway.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, IgAN model, IgAN model treated with low-dose HQGZWWD, IgAN model treated with medium-dose HQGZWWD, IgAN model treated with high-dose HQGZWWD, and IgAN model treated with valsartan. IgAN was induced using bovine γ-globulin. We evaluated the mediating effects of HQGZWWD on podocyte cytoskeletal proteins, the AT1R/Nephrin/c-Abl pathway, upstream tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and TNF-α receptor-1 (TNFR1).

RESULTS

The IgAN rats displayed proteinuria, IgA deposition in the mesangial region, and podocyte cytoskeletal protein damage. The expression of TNF-α, TNFR1, AT1R, and c-Abl was increased in the IgAN rat kidney, whereas the expression of nephrin, podocin, ACTN4, and phosphorylated nephrin (p-nephrin) was reduced. HQGZWWD treatment significantly alleviated podocyte cytoskeletal protein damage in the IgAN rats, upregulated the expression of nephrin, podocin, and ACTN4, and the colocalized expression of F-actin and nephrin. This study demonstrates that HQGZWWD attenuates podocyte cytoskeletal protein damage by regulating the AT1R-nephrin- c-Abl pathway, upregulating the expression of p-nephrin, and downregulating the expression of AT1R and c-Abl.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that HQGZWWD attenuates podocyte cytoskeletal protein damage in IgAN rats by regulating the AT1R/Nephrin/c-Abl pathway, providing a potential therapeutic approach for IgAN.

Role of Rho GTPase Interacting Proteins in Subcellular Compartments of Podocytes

The first step of urine formation is the selective filtration of the plasma into the urinary space at the kidney structure called the glomerulus. The filtration barrier of the glomerulus allows blood cells and large proteins such as albumin to be retained while eliminating the waste products of the body. The filtration barrier consists of three layers: fenestrated endothelial cells, glomerular basement membrane, and podocytes. Podocytes are specialized epithelial cells featured by numerous, actin-based projections called foot processes. Proteins on the foot process membrane are connected to the well-organized intracellular actin network. The Rho family of small GTPases (Rho GTPases) act as intracellular molecular switches. They tightly regulate actin dynamics and subsequent diverse cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, and spreading. Previous studies using podocyte-specific transgenic or knockout animal models have established that Rho GTPases are crucial for the podocyte health and barrier function. However, little attention has been paid regarding subcellular locations where distinct Rho GTPases contribute to specific functions. In the current review, we discuss cellular events involving the prototypical Rho GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42) in podocytes, with particular focus on the subcellular compartments where the signaling events occur. We also provide our synthesized views of the current understanding and propose future research directions.

Phosphorylation of nephrin induces phase separated domains that move through actomyosin contraction

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is organized into lipid and protein microdomains, whose assembly mechanisms and functions are incompletely understood. We demonstrate that proteins in the nephrin/Nck/N-WASP actin-regulatory pathway cluster into micron-scale domains at the basal plasma membrane upon triggered phosphorylation of transmembrane protein nephrin. The domains are persistent but readily exchange components with their surroundings, and their formation is dependent on the number of Nck SH3 domains, suggesting they are phase separated polymers assembled through multivalent interactions among the three proteins. The domains form independent of the actin cytoskeleton, but acto-myosin contractility induces their rapid lateral movement. Nephrin phosphorylation induces larger clusters at the cell periphery, which are associated with extensive actin assembly and dense filopodia. Our studies illustrate how multivalent interactions between proteins at the plasma membrane can produce micron-scale organization of signaling molecules, and how the resulting clusters can both respond to and control the actin cytoskeleton.

Characterization of a novel disease-associated mutation within NPHS1 and its effects on nephrin phosphorylation and signaling

Mutations in the transmembrane protein nephrin (encoded by NPHS1) underlie nearly half of all cases of congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), which is caused by aberrations in the blood filtering function of glomerular podocytes. Nephrin directly contributes to the structure of the filtration barrier, and it also serves as a signaling scaffold in podocytes, undergoing tyrosine phosphorylation on its cytoplasmic tail to recruit intracellular effector proteins. Nephrin phosphorylation is lost in several human and experimental models of glomerular disease, and genetic studies have confirmed its importance in maintenance of the filtration barrier. To date, however, the effect of CNS-associated NPHS1 variants on nephrin phosphorylation remains to be determined, which hampers genotype-phenotype correlations. Here, we have characterized a novel nephrin sequence variant, A419T, which is expressed along with C623F in a patient presenting with CNS. Nephrin localization is altered in kidney biopsies, and we further demonstrate reduced surface expression and ER retention of A419T and C623F in cultured cells. Moreover, we show that both mutations impair nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation, and they exert dominant negative effects on wildtype nephrin signaling. Our findings thus reveal that missense mutations in the nephrin extracellular region can impact nephrin signaling, and they uncover a potential pathomechanism to explain the spectrum of clinical severity seen with mild NPHS1 mutations.

Role of c-Abl and nephrin in podocyte cytoskeletal remodeling induced by angiotensin II

Our previous study showed that angiotensin II (Ang II) exposure diminished the interaction between nephrin and c-Abl, then c-Abl mediated SHIP2-Akt pathway in the process of podocyte injury in vivo and vitro. However, the relationship between nephrin and c-Abl was unknown. Recently, various studies showed that nephrin was required for cytoskeletal remodeling in glomerular podocytes. But its specific mechanisms remain incompletely understood. As a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase involved in cytoskeletal regulation, c-Abl may be a candidate of signaling proteins interacting with Src homology 2/3 (SH2/SH3) domains of nephrin. Therefore, it is proposed that c-Abl contributes to nephrin-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling of podocytes. Herein, we observed that nephrin-c-Abl colocalization were suppressed in glomeruli of patients with proteinuria. Next, CD16/7-nephrin and c-Abl vectors were constructed to investigate the nephrin-c-Abl signaling pathway in podocyte actin-cytoskeletal remodeling. The disorganized cytoskeleton stimulated by cytochalasin D in COS7 cells was dramatically restored by co-transfection with phosphorylated CD16/7-nephrin and c-Abl full-length constructs. Further, co-immunoprecipitation showed that phosphorylated CD16/7-nephrin interacted with wild-type c-Abl, but not with SH2/SH3-defective c-Abl. These findings suggest that phosphorylated nephrin is able to recruit c-Abl in a SH2/SH3-dependent manner and detached c-Abl from dephosphorylated nephrin contributes to cytoskeletal remodeling in podocytes.

Endocytic Trafficking at the Mature Podocyte Slit Diaphragm

Endocytic trafficking couples cell signaling with the cytoskeletal dynamics by organizing a crosstalk between protein networks in different subcellular compartments. Proteins residing in the plasma membrane are internalized and transported as cargo in endocytic vesicles (i.e., endocytosis). Subsequently, cargo proteins can be delivered to lysosomes for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane. The slit diaphragm is a modified tight junction connecting foot processes of the glomerular epithelial cells, podocytes. Signaling at the slit diaphragm plays a critical role in the kidney while its dysfunction leads to glomerular protein loss (proteinuria), manifesting as nephrotic syndrome, a rare condition with an estimated incidence of 2-4 new cases per 100,000 each year. Relatively little is known about the role of endocytic trafficking in podocyte signaling and maintenance of the slit diaphragm integrity. This review will focus on the role of endocytic trafficking at the mature podocyte slit diaphragm.

Regulation of Nephrin Phosphorylation in Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Injury

Diabetes is the leading cause of microalbuminuria and end-stage renal failure in industrial countries. Disruption of the filtration barrier, seen in almost all nephrotic diseases and diabetes, is the result of the loss or effacement of the podocyte foot process, notably damage of proteins within the slit diaphragm such as nephrin. For many years, nephrin has been viewed as a structural component of the slit diaphragm. It is now well recognized that nephrin contains several tyrosine residues in its cytoplasmic domain, which influences the development of glomerular injury. In this review, we propose an overview of nephrin signaling pathways in kidney injury.

Novel role of Vav1-Rac1 pathway in actin cytoskeleton regulation in interleukin-13-induced minimal change-like nephropathy

Our established interleukin-13 (IL-13) overexpression rat model of minimal change-like nephropathy provided a platform to study the molecular signalling pathways in T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine associated minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). We hypothesized that IL-13 may act directly on podocytes, causing podocyte foot process effacement and hence proteinuria in our rat model of minimal change-like nephropathy. The present study aimed firstly to delineate the glomerular 'gene signature' associated with IL-13-mediated dysregulation of podocyte-related proteins, and subsequently to investigate the role of the differentially regulated genes (DEGs) in IL-13-mediated podocyte injury. Glomerular transcriptional profile of IL-13-overexpressed rats showed characteristic features of podocyte injury with 87% of podocyte-related genes being significantly down-regulated. Gene expression of Vav1 was shown to be highly up-regulated in the glomeruli of IL-13-overexpressed rats and pathway analysis of the DEGs suggested a possible novel role of Vav1 in podocyte cytoskeleton remodelling. Immunofluorescence examination demonstrated glomerular expression of Vav1 in rats which co-localized with synaptopodin, confirming podocyte expression. However, positive staining for the phosphorylated form of Vav1 (p-Vav1) was only seen in IL-13-overexpressed rats. Moreover, in vitro IL-13 stimulation of human podocytes resulted in phosphorylation of Vav1. This was associated with Rac1 activation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, which was abrogated in Vav1 knockdown podocytes. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the role of Vav1-Rac1 pathway characterized by phosphorylation of Vav1, activation of Rac1 and the subsequent actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in IL-13-induced podocyte injury, possibly explaining the podocyte foot process effacement seen in our IL-13 overexpression rat model.

Nephrin Suppresses Hippo Signaling through the Adaptor Proteins Nck and WTIP

Podocytes are key components of the kidney blood filtration barrier, and their ability to withstand hemodynamic strain is proposed to be closely tied to their unique and flexible cytoarchitecture. However, the mechanisms that control such mechanotransduction are poorly understood. We have previously established that tyrosine phosphorylation of the transmembrane protein nephrin promotes recruitment of the Nck1/2 cytoskeletal adaptor proteins and downstream actin remodeling. We now reveal that Nck integrates nephrin with the Hippo kinase cascade through association with the adaptor protein WTIP. Using mutational analysis, we show that Nck sequesters WTIP and its binding partner Lats1 to phosphorylated nephrin, resulting in decreased phospho-activation of Lats1. We further demonstrate that, coincident with nephrin dephosphorylation in a transient model of podocyte injury in mice, Lats1 is rapidly activated, and this precedes significant down-regulation of the transcription regulator Yap. Moreover, we show reduced levels of Yap protein in mice with chronic disruption of nephrin phospho-signaling. Together, these findings support the existence of a dynamic molecular link between nephrin signaling and the canonical Hippo pathway in podocytes, which may facilitate the conversion of mechanical cues to biochemical signals promoting podocyte viability.

Integrin Ligation Results in Nephrin Tyrosine Phosphorylation In Vitro

Nephrin is expressed at the basolateral aspect of podocytes and is an important signaling protein at the glomerular slit diaphragm. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Nephrin phosphorylation-dependent signaling is able to assemble a protein complex that is able to polymerize actin. However, proximal signaling events that result in nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation are not well understood. Nephrin deletion in mice and human nephrin mutations result in developmental failure of the podocyte intercellular junction resutling in proteinuria. This has been presumed to be due to a failure to respond to an external polarized cue in the absence of nephrin or a failure to transduce an outside-in signal in patients with nephrin mutations. The nephrin extracellular domain binds to itself or neph1 across the foot process intercellular junction. Nephrin is tyrosine phosphorylation-silent in healthy glomeruli when presumably the nephrin extracellular domain is in an engaged state. These observations raise the possibility of an alternate proximal signaling mechanism that might be responsible for nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation. Here we present data showing that integrin engagement at the basal aspect of cultured podocytes results in nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation. This is abrogated by incubating podocytes with an antibody that prevents integrin β1 ligation and activation in response to binding to extracellular matrix. Furthermore, nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation was observed in podocytes expressing a membrane-targeted nephrin construct that lacks the extracellular domain. We propose, integrin-activation based signaling might be responsible for nephrin phosphorylation rather than engagment of the nephrin extracellular domain by a ligand.

Nephrin Tyrosine Phosphorylation Is Required to Stabilize and Restore Podocyte Foot Process Architecture

Podocytes are specialized epithelial cells of the kidney blood filtration barrier that contribute to permselectivity via a series of interdigitating actin-rich foot processes. Positioned between adjacent projections is a unique cell junction known as the slit diaphragm, which is physically connected to the actin cytoskeleton via the transmembrane protein nephrin. Evidence indicates that tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular tail of nephrin initiates signaling events, including recruitment of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins Nck1 and Nck2 that regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation is altered in human and experimental renal diseases characterized by pathologic foot process remodeling, prompting the hypothesis that phosphonephrin signaling directly influences podocyte morphology. To explore this possibility, we generated and analyzed knockin mice with mutations that disrupt nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation and Nck1/2 binding (nephrin(Y3F/Y3F) mice). Homozygous nephrin(Y3F/Y3F) mice developed progressive proteinuria accompanied by structural changes in the filtration barrier, including podocyte foot process effacement, irregular thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, and dilated capillary loops, with a similar but later onset phenotype in heterozygous animals. Furthermore, compared with wild-type mice, nephrin(Y3F/Y3F) mice displayed delayed recovery in podocyte injury models. Profiling of nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation dynamics in wild-type mice subjected to podocyte injury indicated site-specific differences in phosphorylation at baseline, injury, and recovery, which correlated with loss of nephrin-Nck1/2 association during foot process effacement. Our results define an essential requirement for nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation in stabilizing podocyte morphology and suggest a model in which dynamic changes in phosphotyrosine-based signaling confer plasticity to the podocyte actin cytoskeleton.

Angiotensin II down-regulates nephrin-Akt signaling and induces podocyte injury: roleof c-Abl

Ang II plays a vital role in the initiation and progression of proteinuric kidney diseases, but the mechanism is still elusive. It is shown that c-Abl is a molecular chaperone of nephrin signaling and the SHIP2-Akt pathway, and released c-Abl from nephrin is involved in Ang II–induced podocyte injury.

Recent studies have shown that nephrin plays a vital role in angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced podocyte injury and thus contributes to the onset of proteinuria and the progression of renal diseases, but its specific mechanism remains unclear. c-Abl is an SH2/SH3 domain–containing nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that is involved in cell survival and regulation of the cytoskeleton. Phosphorylated nephrin is able to interact with molecules containing SH2/SH3 domains, suggesting that c-Abl may be a downstream molecule of nephrin signaling. Here we report that Ang II–infused rats developed proteinuria and podocyte damage accompanied by nephrin dephosphorylation and minimal interaction between nephrin and c-Abl. In vitro, Ang II induced podocyte injury and nephrin and Akt dephosphorylation, which occurred in tandem with minimal interaction between nephrin and c-Abl. Moreover, Ang II promoted c-Abl phosphorylation and interaction between c-Abl and SH2 domain–containing 5′-inositol phosphatase 2 (SHIP2). c-Abl small interfering RNA (siRNA) and STI571 (c-Abl inhibitor) provided protection against Ang II–induced podocyte injury, suppressed the Ang II-induced c-Abl–SHIP2 interaction and SHIP2 phosphorylation, and maintained a stable level of nephrin phosphorylation. These results indicate that c-Abl is a molecular chaperone of nephrin signaling and the SHIP2-Akt pathway and that the released c-Abl contributes to Ang II–induced podocyte injury.

Direct regulation of nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation by Nck adaptor proteins

The transmembrane protein nephrin is a key component of the kidney slit diaphragm that contributes to the morphology of podocyte foot processes through signaling to the underlying actin cytoskeleton. We have recently reported that tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail of nephrin facilitates recruitment of Nck SH2/SH3 adaptor proteins and subsequent actin remodeling and that phosphorylation of the Nck binding sites on nephrin is decreased during podocyte injury. We now demonstrate that Nck directly modulates nephrin phosphorylation through formation of a signaling complex with the Src family kinase Fyn. The ability of Nck to enhance nephrin phosphorylation is compromised in the presence of a Src family kinase inhibitor and when the SH3 domains of Nck are mutated. Furthermore, induced loss of Nck expression in podocytes in vivo is associated with a rapid reduction in nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation. Our results suggest that Nck may facilitate dynamic signaling events at the slit diaphragm by promoting Fyn-dependent phosphorylation of nephrin, which may be important in the regulation of foot process morphology and response to podocyte injury.

An overview of molecular mechanism of nephrotic syndrome

Podocytopathies (minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)) together with membranous nephropathy are the main causes of nephrotic syndrome. Some changes on the expression of nephrin, podocin, TGF-β, and slit diaphragm components as well as transcription factors and transmembrane proteins have been demonstrated in podocytopathies. Considering the pathogenesis of proteinuria, some elucidations have been directed towards the involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, the usefulness of some markers such as TGF-β1, nephrin, synaptopodin, dystroglycans, and malondialdehyde have been determined in the differentiation between MCD and FSGS. Experimental models and human samples indicated an essential role of autoantibodies in membranous glomerulonephritis, kidney damage, and proteinuria events. Megalin and phospholipase-A2-receptor have been described as antigens responsible for the formation of the subepithelial immune complexes and renal disease occurrence. In addition, the complement system seems to play a key role in basal membrane damage and in the development of proteinuria in membranous nephropathy. This paper focuses on the common molecular changes involved in the development of nephrotic proteinuria.

Podocyte Protein, Nephrin, Is a Substrate of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B

Glomerular podocytes are critical for the barrier function of the glomerulus in the kidney and their dysfunction causes protein leakage into the urine (proteinuria). Nephrin is a key podocyte protein, which regulates the actin cytoskeleton via tyrosine phosphorylation of its cytoplasmic domain. Here we report that two protein tyrosine phosphatases, PTP1B and PTP-PEST negatively regulate nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation. PTP1B directly binds to and dephosphorylates nephrin, while the action of PTP-PEST is indirect. The two phosphatases are also upregulated in the glomerulus in the rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis. Both overexpression and inhibition of PTP1B deranged the actin cytoskeleton in cultured mouse podocytes. Thus, protein tyrosine phosphatases may affect podocyte function via regulating nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation.

Angiotensin II induces nephrin dephosphorylation and podocyte injury: role of caveolin-1

Nephrin, an important structural and signal molecule of podocyte slit-diaphragm (SD), has been suggested to contribute to the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced podocyte injury. Caveolin-1 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in signaling transduction. In the present study, we evaluated the role of caveolin-1 in Ang II-induced nephrin phosphorylation in podocytes. Wistar rats-receiving either Ang II (400 ng/kg/min) or normal saline (via subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps, control) were administered either vehicle or telmisartan (3 mg/kg/min) for 14 or 28 days. Blood pressure, 24-hour urinary albumin and serum biochemical profile were measured at the end of the experimental period. Renal histomorphology was evaluated through light and electron microscopy. In vitro, cultured murine podocytes were exposed to Ang II (10(-6)M) pretreated with or without losartan (10(-5) M) for variable time periods. Nephrin and caveolin-1 expression and their phosphorylation were analyzed by Western-blotting and immunofluorescence. Caveolar membrane fractions were isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and then the distribution and interactions between Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1), nephrin, C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) and caveolin-1 were evaluated using Western-blotting and co-immunoprecipitation. Podocyte apoptosis was evaluated by cell nucleus staining with Hoechst-33342. Ang II-receiving rats displayed diminished phosphorylation of nephrin but enhanced glomerular/podocyte injury and proteinuria when compared to control rats. Under control conditions, podocyte displayed expression of caveolin-1 in abundance but only a low level of phospho moiety. Nonetheless, Ang II stimulated caveolin-1 phosphorylation without any change in total protein expression. Nephrin and caveolin-1 were co-localized in caveolae fractions. AT1 receptors and Csk were moved to caveolae fractions and had an interaction with caveolin-1 after the stimulation with Ang II. Transfection of caveolin-1 plasmid (pEGFPC3-cav-1) significantly increased Ang II-induced nephrin dephosphorylation and podocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of caveolin-1 expression (using siRNA) inhibited nephrin dephosphorylation and prevented Ang II-induced podocyte apoptosis. These findings indicate that Ang II induces nephrin dephosphorylation and podocyte injury through a caveolin-1-dependent mechanism.

TM4SF10 and ADAP interaction in podocytes: role in Fyn activity and nephrin phosphorylation

TM4SF10 [transmembrane tetra(4)-span family 10] is a claudin-like cell junction protein that is transiently expressed during podocyte development where its expression is downregulated in differentiating podocytes coincident with the appearance of nephrin at the slit diaphragm. In a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified adhesion and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein (ADAP), a well-known Fyn substrate and Fyn binding partner, as a TM4SF10 interacting protein in mouse kidney. Using coimmunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry experiments in cultured human podocytes, we show that TM4SF10 colocalizes with Fyn and ADAP but does not form a stable complex with Fyn. Cytoskeletal changes and phosphorylation events mediated by Fyn activity were reversed by TM4SF10 overexpression, including a decrease in the activating tyrosine phosphorylation of Fyn (Y(421)), suggesting TM4SF10 may have a regulatory role in suppressing Fyn activity. In addition, TM4SF10 was reexpressed following podocyte injury by puromycin aminonucleoside treatment, and its expression enhanced the abundance of high-molecular-weight forms of nephrin indicating it may participate in a mechanism controlling nephrin's appearance at the plasma membrane. Therefore, these studies have identified ADAP as another Fyn adapter protein expressed in podocytes, and that TM4SF10, possibly through ADAP, may regulate Fyn activity. Since TM4SF10 expression is temporally regulated during kidney development, these studies may help define a mechanism by which the slit diaphragm matures as a highly specialized cell junction during podocyte differentiation.

Activation of RhoA in podocytes induces focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Proper organization of the actin cytoskeleton is essential for the normal structure and function of podocytes. RhoA modulates actin dynamics but its role in podocyte biology is controversial. Here, we generated transgenic mice that express a constitutively active form of RhoA in a podocyte-specific and doxycycline-inducible manner. Induction of activated RhoA with doxycycline resulted in significant albuminuria. Furthermore, both the degree of albuminuria and the histologic changes in the glomerulus positively correlated with the level of constitutively active RhoA expression: low levels of expression associated with segmental foot-process effacement without changes observable by light microscopy, whereas higher levels of expression associated with both extensive foot-process effacement and histologic features of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). In addition, induction of activated RhoA markedly upregulated glomerular mRNA expression of fibronectin and collagen IA1, and the degree of upregulation positively correlated with the level of albuminuria. Withdrawal of doxycycline led to a decline in albuminuria toward basal levels in most mice, but heavy albuminuria persisted in some mice. Taken together, these data suggest that activation of RhoA in podocytes leads to albuminuria accompanied by a range of histologic changes characteristic of minimal change disease and FSGS in humans. Although most changes are reversible, severe and prolonged activation of RhoA may cause irreversible glomerulosclerosis.

Dexamethasone increases the phosphorylation of nephrin in cultured podocytes

BACKGROUND

We reported that nephrin is phosphorylated at Y1204 and Y1228 under normal conditions and that the phosphorylation is decreased in puromycin nephrosis and in human minimal change nephrosis. These results indicate that the phosphorylation of nephrin is important for maintaining normal podocyte function. However, little is known about the regulation of nephrin phosphorylation. Here, we investigated whether glucocorticoid, a drug used to treat glomerular diseases with proteinuria, might affect the phosphorylation of nephrin.

METHODS

Human cultured podocytes transiently expressing human nephrin were treated with dexamethasone (Dex), and the phosphorylation of nephrin was determined by immunoblot with the anti-pY1228 antibody.

RESULTS

Dex treatment for 24 h increased the phosphorylation of nephrin; this increased phosphorylation was inhibited by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist but not by the mineral corticoid receptor antagonist. A shorter incubation time (30 min) did not increase the phosphorylation, and actinomycin D and cycloheximide treatments abolished the increased phosphorylation. The activation of Src-family kinases was correlated with nephrin phosphorylation, both of which were abolished by small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment for serum/glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1).

CONCLUSIONS

These results clarify a novel action of glucocorticoid on nephrin phosphorylation through SGK1. Glucocorticoid treatment for human glomerulonephritis may exert its function by regulating the phosphorylation of nephrin.

Tyrosine kinase signaling in kidney glomerular podocytes

During the last decade, several key molecules have been identified as essential components for the filtration barrier function of kidney glomerular podocytes. Mutations in genes encoding these molecules severely impair the podocyte architecture in the affected patients, leading to the development of proteinuria. Extensive investigations have been performed on the function of these molecules, which highlights the importance of tyrosine kinase signaling in the podocytes. An Src family tyrosine kinase, Fyn, plays a major role in this signaling pathway. Here, we review the current understanding of this important signal transduction system and its role in the development and the maintenance of podocytes.

Induction of podocyte VEGF164 overexpression at different stages of development causes congenital nephrosis or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

The tight regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) signaling is required for both the development and maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier, but the pathogenic role of excessive amounts of VEGF-A detected in multiple renal diseases remains poorly defined. We generated inducible transgenic mice that overexpress podocyte VEGF164 at any chosen stage of development. In this study, we report the phenotypes that result from podocyte VEGF164 excess during organogenesis and after birth. On doxycycline induction, podocin-rtTA:tet-O-VEGF164 mice express twofold higher kidney VEGF164 levels than single transgenic mice, localized to podocytes. Podocyte VEGF164 overexpression during organogenesis resulted in albuminuria at birth and was associated with glomerulomegaly, uniform podocyte effacement, very few and wide foot processes joined by occluding junctions, almost complete absence of slit diaphragms, and swollen endothelial cells with few fenestrae as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Podocyte VEGF164 overexpression after birth caused massive albuminuria in 70% of 2-week-old mice, glomerulomegaly, and minimal changes on light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy showed podocyte effacement and fusion and morphologically normal endothelial cells. Podocyte VEGF164 overexpression induced nephrin down-regulation without podocyte loss. VEGF164-induced abnormalities were reversible on removal of doxycycline and were unresponsive to methylprednisolone. Collectively, the data suggest that moderate podocyte VEGF164 overexpression during organogenesis results in congenital nephrotic syndrome, whereas VEGF164 overexpression after birth induces a steroid-resistant minimal change like-disease in mice.

p21-Activated kinases regulate actin remodeling in glomerular podocytes

The tyrosine phosphorylation of nephrin is reported to regulate podocyte morphology via the Nck adaptor proteins. The Pak family of kinases are regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and are recruited to the plasma membrane via Nck. Here, we investigated the role of Pak in podocyte morphology. Pak1/2 were expressed in cultured podocytes. In mouse podocytes, Pak2 was predominantly phosphorylated, concentrated at the tips of the cellular processes, and its expression and/or phosphorylation were further increased when differentiated. Overexpression of rat nephrin in podocytes increased Pak1/2 phosphorylation, which was abolished when the Nck binding sites were mutated. Furthermore, dominant-negative Nck constructs blocked the Pak1 phosphorylation induced by antibody-mediated cross linking of nephrin. Transient transfection of constitutively kinase-active Pak1 into differentiated mouse podocytes decreased stress fibers, increased cortical F-actin, and extended the cellular processes, whereas kinase-dead mutant, kinase inhibitory construct, and Pak2 knockdown by shRNA had the opposite effect. In a rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis, Pak1/2 phosphorylation was decreased in glomeruli, concomitantly with a decrease of nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest that Pak contributes to remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton in podocytes. Disturbed nephrin-Nck-Pak interaction may contribute to abnormal morphology of podocytes and proteinuria.

Glomerular proteins related to slit diaphragm and matrix adhesion in the foot processes are highly tyrosine phosphorylated in the normal rat kidney

BACKGROUND

Tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins has been a focus of extensive studies since it plays crucial roles in regulation of diverse biological reactions. To understand the involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation in kidney functions, a comprehensive proteomic study for tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins was performed in the normal rat kidney.

METHODS

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies were employed to detect tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. The proteins were analysed by mass spectrometry and validated by immunological analyses using specific antibodies.

RESULTS

Most of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were confined to the glomerulus and predominantly localized along the glomerular capillary wall, especially in the foot processes of podocytes. Our systematic proteomic analysis identified nephrin, SHPS-1 (tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor-type substrate 1), FAK1 and paxillin as major tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins and Neph1, talin and vinculin as minor tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. In the present study, SHPS-1 was identified as a novel tyrosine-phosphorylated protein in the glomerulus and was also predominantly localized at the foot processes. Mass spectrometric analysis identified in vivo phosphorylation sites of SHPS-1 on Y460, Y477 and Y501.

CONCLUSION

This study identified tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in normal rat kidney, which were prominently rich in the glomerulus and localized at the podocyte foot processes. These proteins were categorized as cell-to-cell or cell-to-matrix adhesion complex-related molecules, suggesting their pivotal roles in the glomerular ultrafiltration.

Inducible nephrin transgene expression in podocytes rescues nephrin-deficient mice from perinatal death

Mutations leading to nephrin loss result in massive proteinuria both in humans and mice. Early perinatal lethality of conventional nephrin knockout mice makes it impossible to determine the role of nephrin protein in the adult kidney and in extra-renal tissues. Herein, we studied whether podocyte-specific, doxycycline-inducible, rat nephrin expression can rescue nephrin-deficient mice from perinatal lethality. Fourteen littermates out of 72 lacked endogenous nephrin and expressed transgenic rat nephrin. Six of these rescued mice survived until 6 weeks of age, whereas the nephrin-deficient pups died before the age of 5 days. The rescued mice were smaller, developed proteinuria, and showed histological abnormalities in the kidney. Despite foot process effacement, slit diaphragms were observed. Importantly, the expression and localization of several proteins associated with the signaling capacity of nephrin or the regulation of the expression of nephrin were changed in the podocytes. Indeed, all rescued mice showed impaired locomotor activity and distinct histological abnormalities in the cerebellum, and the male mice were also infertile and showed genital malformations. These observations are consistent with normal nephrin expression in the testis and cerebellum. These observations indicate that podocyte-specific expression of rat nephrin can rescue nephrin-deficient mice from perinatal death, but is not sufficient for full complementation.

Phosphorylation status of nephrin in human membranous nephropathy

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that nephrin, a major slit-diaphragm protein, is phosphorylated at Y1204 and Y1228 in normal human glomeruli and that phosphorylation decreased significantly in minimal-change nephrosis. These results indicate that phosphorylation of nephrin is important for maintenance of normal podocyte morphology and function. On the other hand, phosphorylation of nephrin was reportedly increased in certain animal models of glomerular injury.

METHODS

We performed immunofluorescent and immunoelectron staining of phosphorylated nephrin in human kidney biopsy specimens of membranous nephropathy (MN) to investigate whether phosphorylation of nephrin was altered in human MN and whether it correlated with MN staging.

RESULTS

Although aberrant localization of phosphorylated nephrin was detected using immunoelectron microscopy in stage I MN, a decrease in the immunofluorescent intensity of phosphorylated nephrin was not observed in stage I, and only a slight decrease was seen in stages II, III, and IV compared with controls. No significant correlation between nephrin phosphorylation and proteinuria was observed.

CONCLUSION

Nephrin phosphorylation was not significantly decreased in the early stage of MN.

Saturated fatty acids induce insulin resistance in human podocytes: implications for diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Cellular insulin resistance is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes and predominantly affects adipose and muscle cells. The saturated free fatty acid palmitate is elevated in insulin-resistant states and may directly contribute to cellular insulin resistance. A spectrum of renal disease is associated with increased markers of insulin resistance, although direct causal mechanisms are not known. In the kidney, glomerular podocytes are novel insulin-sensitive cells that have the ability to rapidly transport glucose. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that palmitate would induce insulin resistance in podocytes.

METHODS

Conditionally immortalized human podocytes were cultured for up to 24 h with 375-750 muM palmitate. Functional effects on glucose uptake and ceramide production were measured. Gene expression was investigated using a focused gene array, and protein signalling and trafficking were studied with Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

We found that palmitate blocked insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in human podocytes. This was associated with increased ceramide production, and use of the ceramide inhibitors myriocin and fumonisin B1 partially recovered the insulin sensitivity. At the level of transcription, palmitate downregulated genes associated with several pathways involved in insulin signalling. At the protein level, phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, IRS1 and PKB was reduced and there was impaired translocation of GLUT4 to the cell surface.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate a direct effect of saturated fatty acids on podocyte function. These findings may represent a novel link between systemic insulin resistance and the development of nephropathy.

Nck proteins maintain the adult glomerular filtration barrier

Within the glomerulus, the scaffolding protein nephrin bridges the actin-rich foot processes that extend from adjacent podocytes to form the slit diaphragm. Mutations affecting a number of slit diaphragm proteins, including nephrin, cause glomerular disease through rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and disruption of the filtration barrier. We recently established that the Nck family of Src homology 2 (SH2)/SH3 cytoskeletal adaptor proteins can mediate nephrin-dependent actin reorganization. Formation of foot processes requires expression of Nck in developing podocytes, but it is unknown whether Nck maintains podocyte structure and function throughout life. Here, we used an inducible transgenic strategy to delete Nck expression in adult mouse podocytes and found that loss of Nck expression rapidly led to proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and altered morphology of foot processes. We also found that podocyte injury reduced phosphorylation of nephrin in adult kidneys. These data suggest that Nck is required to maintain adult podocytes and that phosphotyrosine-based interactions with nephrin may occur in foot processes of resting, mature podocytes.

Antibodies to protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPro) increase glomerular albumin permeability (P(alb))

Glomerular capillary filtration barrier characteristics are determined in part by the slit-pore junctions of glomerular podocytes. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-O (PTPro) is a transmembrane protein expressed on the apical surface of podocyte foot processes. Tyrosine phosphorylation of podocyte proteins including nephrin may control the filtration barrier. To determine whether PTPro activity is required to maintain glomerular macromolecular permeability, albumin permeability (P(alb)) was studied after incubation of glomeruli from normal animals with a series of monoclonal (mAb) and polyclonal antibodies. Reagents included mAbs to rabbit and rat PTPro and polyclonal rabbit immune IgG to rat PTPro. mAb 4C3, specific to the amino acid core of PTPro, decreased its phosphatase activity and increased P(alb) of rabbit glomeruli in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, mAb P8E7 did not diminish phosphatase activity and did not alter P(alb). Preincubation of 4C3 with PTPro extracellular domain fusion protein blocked glomerular binding and abolished permeability activity. In parallel experiments, P(alb) of rat glomeruli was increased by two mAbs (1B4 and 1D1) or by polyclonal anti-rat PTPro. We conclude that PTPro interaction with specific antibodies acutely increases P(alb). The identity of the normal ligand for PTPro and of its substrate, as well as the mechanism by which phosphatase activity of this receptor affects the filtration barrier, remain to be determined.

Non-compensating roles between Nckalpha and Nckbeta in PDGF-BB signaling to promote human dermal fibroblast migration

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved growth factor, acting as a mitogen and motogen of dermal fibroblasts (DFs), for skin wound healing. The two closely related SH2/SH3 adapter proteins, Nckalpha and Nckbeta, connect PDGF-BB signaling to the actin cytoskeleton and cell motility. The mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, we investigated, side by side, the roles of Nckalpha and Nckbeta in PDGF-BB-stimulated DF migration. We found that cells expressing the PDGFRbeta-Y751F mutant (preventing Nckalpha binding) or PDGFRbeta-Y1009F mutant (preventing Nckbeta binding), DF cells isolated from Nckalpha- or Nckbeta-knockout mice, and primary human DF cells with RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of the endogenous Nckalpha or Nckbeta all failed to migrate in response to PDGF-BB. Overexpression of the middle SH3 domain of Nckalpha or Nckbeta alone in human DFs also blocked PDGF-BB-induced cell migration. However, neither Nckalpha nor Nckbeta was required for the activation of the PDGF receptor, p21-activated protein kinase (Pak1), AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, or p38MAP by PDGF-BB. Although PDGF-BB stimulated the membrane translocation of both Nckalpha and Nckbeta, Nckalpha appeared to mediate Cdc42 signaling for filopodium formation, whereas Nckbeta mediated Rho signaling to induce stress fibers. Thus, this study has elucidated the independent roles and mechanisms of action of Nckalpha and Nckbeta in DF migration, which is critical for wound healing.

mTOR regulates expression of slit diaphragm proteins and cytoskeleton structure in podocytes

The immunosuppressive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors can cause proteinuria, especially in kidney and heart transplanted patients. Podocytes play a major role in establishing the selective permeability of the blood-urine filtration barrier. Damage of these cells leads to proteinuria, a hallmark of most glomerular diseases. Interestingly, podocyte damage and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can occur after treatment with an mTOR inhibitor in some transplant patients. To investigate the mechanisms of mTOR inhibitor-induced podocyte damage, we analyzed the effect of rapamycin on mTOR signaling and cellular function in human podocytes. We found that prolonged rapamycin treatment reduced the expression of total mTOR, which correlates with diminished levels of mTOR phosphorylation at Ser(2448) and Ser(2481). In addition, treatment with rapamycin reduced rictor expression and mTORC2 formation, resulting in a reduced phosphorylation of protein kinase B at Ser(473). The expression level of the slit-diaphragm proteins nephrin and transient receptor potential cation channel 6 as well as the cytoskeletal adaptor protein Nck significantly decreased. Moreover, rapamycin reduced cell adhesion and cell motility, which was accompanied by an enhanced formation of dot-like actin-rich structures. Our data provide new molecular insights explaining which pathways and molecules are affected in podocytes by an imbalanced mTOR function because of rapamycin treatment.

Connecting the interpodocyte slit diaphragm and actin dynamics: Emerging role for the nephrin signaling complex

Uchida et al. show in this issue that in rat and human nephrosis, tyrosine phosphorylation of nephrin is reduced, and this is accompanied by a decrease in F-actin in glomeruli. This, together with previous studies, suggests that the nephrin protein complex is a signaling nexus that regulates actin dynamics in podocytes.

Nephrin AKTs on actin: The slit diaphragm-actin cytoskeleton signaling network expands

Regulation and maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton of podocytes has emerged as a critical process for preserving glomerular permselectivity. Signaling through nephrin, a crucial component of the slit diaphragm, can lead to rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Zhu et al. identify phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent activation of Akt and Rac as mediators of nephrin-induced actin reorganization, expanding the signaling network linking two of the podocyte's unique structures, its actin cytoskeleton and the slit diaphragm.

Decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of nephrin in rat and human nephrosis

Phosphorylation of tyrosine residue (Y1204) of rat nephrin by Fyn kinase allows Nck adaptor protein binding to nephrin motifs, which include the phosphorylated tyrosine. This phosphorylation-dependent switch induces actin polymerization in a cell culture system. Here, we generated an antibody recognizing phosphorylated nephrin at the Nck binding sites pY1204 and pY1228 to determine the phosphorylation status of nephrin using a rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrosis. Changes in globular actin (G-actin) and filamentous actin (F-actin) contents in isolated glomeruli were measured by western blot. Before experimental nephrosis, both Y1204 and Y1228 were phosphorylated, and most of the actin was filamentous. Before the onset of overt proteinuria, however, phosphorylation of both Y1204 and Y1228 rapidly decreased and became almost undetectable. During this period, the amount of F-actin in glomeruli began to decrease, whereas G-actin increased. Phosphorylation of nephrin at Y1228 in glomeruli of patients with minimal change nephrosis was significantly decreased compared with that in normal glomeruli. Our study suggests that tyrosine phosphorylation of nephrin by regulating F-actin formation may be important for the maintenance of normal podocyte morphology and function.

Phosphorylated YDXV motifs and Nck SH2/SH3 adaptors act cooperatively to induce actin reorganization

We have analyzed the means by which the Nck family of adaptor proteins couples adhesion proteins to actin reorganization. The nephrin adhesion protein is essential for the formation of actin-based foot processes in glomerular podocytes. The clustering of nephrin induces its tyrosine phosphorylation, Nck recruitment, and sustained localized actin polymerization. Any one of three phosphorylated (p)YDXV motifs on nephrin is sufficient to recruit Nck through its Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and induce localized actin polymerization at these clusters. Similarly, Nck SH3 mutants in which only the second or third SH3 domain is functional can mediate nephrin-induced actin polymerization. However, combining such nephrin and Nck mutants attenuates actin polymerization at nephrin-Nck clusters. We propose that the multiple Nck SH2-binding motifs on nephrin and the multiple SH3 domains of Nck act cooperatively to recruit the high local concentration of effectors at sites of nephrin activation that is required to initiate and maintain actin polymerization in vivo. We also find that YDXV motifs in the Tir protein of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and nephrin are functionally interchangeable, indicating that Tir reorganizes the actin cytoskeleton by molecular mimicry of nephrin-like signaling. Together, these data identify pYDXV/Nck signaling as a potent and portable mechanism for physiological and pathological actin regulation.

Nephrin mediates actin reorganization via phosphoinositide 3-kinase in podocytes

Nephrin is a slit diaphragm protein critical for structural and functional integrity of visceral glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes) and is known to be tyrosine phosphorylated by Src family kinases. We studied the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), activated via the phosphorylation of nephrin, in actin cytoskeletal reorganization of cultured rat podocytes. Phosphorylation of rat nephrin by the Fyn kinase markedly increased its interaction with a regulatory subunit of PI3K. Stable transfection of rat nephrin in the podocytes with podocin led to nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation, PI3K-dependent phosphorylation of Akt, increased Rac1 activity, and an altered actin cytoskeleton with decreased stress fibers and increased lamellipodia. These changes were reversed with an inhibitor of PI3K and not seen when the nephrin-mutant Y1152F replaced wild-type nephrin. Rac1 and Akt1 contributed to lamellipodia formation and decreased stress fibers, respectively. Finally, in the rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis, nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation, nephrin-PI3K association, and glomerular Akt phosphorylation were all decreased. Our results suggest that PI3K is involved in nephrin-mediated actin reorganization in podocytes. Disturbed nephrin-PI3K interactions may contribute to abnormal podocyte morphology and proteinuria.