Podocin and MEC-2 bind cholesterol to regulate the activity of associated ion channels

The roles of TRPC6 in renal tubular disorders: a narrative review

The transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channel, a nonselective cation channel that allows the passage of Ca2+, plays an important role in renal diseases. TRPC6 is activated by Ca2+ influx, oxidative stress, and mechanical stress. Studies have shown that in addition to glomerular diseases, TRPC6 can contribute to renal tubular disorders, such as acute kidney injury, renal interstitial fibrosis, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the tubule-specific physiological functions of TRPC6 have not yet been elucidated. Its pathophysiological role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is debatable. Thus, TRPC6 may have dual roles in I/R injury. TRPC6 induces renal fibrosis and immune cell infiltration in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model. Additionally, TRPC6 overexpression may modify G2 phase transition, thus altering the DNA damage checkpoint, which can cause genomic instability and RCC tumorigenesis and can control the proliferation of RCC cells. This review highlights the importance of TRPC6 in various conditions of the renal tubular system. To better understand certain renal disorders and ultimately identify new therapeutic targets to improve patient care, the pathophysiology of TRPC6 must be clarified.

Cryo-EM structure of the SPFH-NfeD family protein complex QmcA-YbbJ

The SPFH (stomatin, prohibitin, flotillin, and HflK/C) protein family is universally present and encompasses the evolutionarily conserved SPFH domain. These proteins are predominantly localized in lipid raft and implicated in various biological processes. The NfeD (nodulation formation efficiency D) protein family is often encoded in tandem with SPFH proteins, suggesting a close functional relationship. Here, we elucidate the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the Escherichia coli QmcA-YbbJ complex belonging to the SPFH and NfeD families, respectively. Our findings reveal that the QmcA-YbbJ complex forms an intricate cage-like structure composed of 26 copies of QmcA-YbbJ heterodimers. The transmembrane helices of YbbJ act as adhesive elements bridging adjacent QmcA molecules, while the oligosaccharide-binding domain of YbbJ encapsulates the SPFH domain of QmcA. Our structural study significantly contributes to understanding the functional role of the NfeD protein family and sheds light on the interplay between SPFH and NfeD family proteins.

Piezo ion channels: long-sought-after mechanosensors mediating hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy

Recent advances in mechanobiology and the discovery of mechanosensitive ion channels have opened a new era of research on hypertension and related diseases. Piezo1 and Piezo2, first reported in 2010, are regarded as bona fide mechanochannels that mediate various biological and pathophysiological phenomena in multiple tissues and organs. For example, Piezo channels have pivotal roles in blood pressure control, triggering shear stress-induced nitric oxide synthesis and vasodilation, regulating baroreflex in the carotid sinus and aorta, and releasing renin from renal juxtaglomerular cells. Herein, we provide an overview of recent literature on the roles of Piezo channels in the pathogenesis of hypertension and related kidney damage, including our experimental data on the involvement of Piezo1 in podocyte injury and that of Piezo2 in renin expression and renal fibrosis in animal models of hypertensive nephropathy. The mechanosensitive ion channels Piezo1 and Piezo2 play various roles in the pathogenesis of systemic hypertension by acting on vascular endothelial cells, baroreceptors in the carotid artery and aorta, and the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Piezo channels also contribute to hypertensive nephropathy by acting on mesangial cells, podocytes, and perivascular mesenchymal cells.

The common p.Ile291Val variant of ERLIN1 enhances TM6SF2 function and is associated with protection against MASLD

BACKGROUND

The ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2862954) is associated with protection from steatotic liver disease (SLD), but effects of this variant on metabolic phenotypes remain uncertain.

METHODS

Metabolic phenotypes and outcomes associated with ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val were analyzed by using a genome-first approach in the UK Biobank (UKB), Penn Medicine BioBank (PMBB), and All of Us cohort.

FINDINGS

ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val carriers exhibited significantly lower serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as higher levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and Apolipoprotein A1 in UKB, and these values were affected by ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val in an allele-dose-dependent manner. Homozygous ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val carriers had a significantly reduced risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.96). The protective effect of this variant was enhanced in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Our results were replicated in PMBB and the All of Us cohort. Strikingly, the protective effects of ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val were not apparent in individuals carrying the TM6SF2 p.Glu167Lys variant associated with increased risk of SLD. We analyzed the effects of predicted loss-of-function ERLIN1 variants and found that they had opposite effects, namely reduced plasma lipids, suggesting that ERLIN1 p.Ile291Val may be a gain-of-function variant.

CONCLUSION

Our study contributes to a better understanding of ERLIN1 by investigating a coding variant that has emerged as a potential gain-of-function mutation with protective effects against MASLD development.

Lipid homeostasis in diabetic kidney disease

Lipid homeostasis is crucial for proper cellular and systemic functions. A growing number of studies confirm the importance of lipid homeostasis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Lipotoxicity caused by imbalance in renal lipid homeostasis can further exasperate renal injury. Large lipid deposits and lipid droplet accumulation are present in the kidneys of DKD patients. Autophagy plays a critical role in DKD lipid homeostasis and is involved in the regulation of lipid content. Inhibition or reduction of autophagy can lead to lipid accumulation, which in turn further affects autophagy. Lipophagy selectively recognizes and degrades lipids and helps to regulate cellular lipid metabolism and maintain intracellular lipid homeostasis. Therefore, we provide a systematic review of fatty acid, cholesterol, and sphingolipid metabolism, and discuss the responses of different renal intrinsic cells to imbalances in lipid homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the mechanism by which autophagy, especially lipophagy, maintains lipid homeostasis to support the development of new DKD drugs targeting lipid homeostasis.

Phospholipid scramblase 1: an essential component of the nephrocyte slit diaphragm

Blood ultrafiltration in nephrons critically depends on specialized intercellular junctions between podocytes, named slit diaphragms (SDs). Here, by studying a homologous structure found in Drosophila nephrocytes, we identify the phospholipid scramblase Scramb1 as an essential component of the SD, uncovering a novel link between membrane dynamics and SD formation. In scramb1 mutants, SDs fail to form. Instead, the SD components Sticks and stones/nephrin, Polychaetoid/ZO-1, and the Src-kinase Src64B/Fyn associate in cortical foci lacking the key SD protein Dumbfounded/NEPH1. Scramb1 interaction with Polychaetoid/ZO-1 and Flotillin2, the presence of essential putative palmitoylation sites and its capacity to oligomerize, suggest a function in promoting SD assembly within lipid raft microdomains. Furthermore, Scramb1 interactors as well as its functional sensitivity to temperature, suggest an active involvement in membrane remodeling processes during SD assembly. Remarkably, putative Ca2+-binding sites in Scramb1 are essential for its activity raising the possibility that Ca2+ signaling may control the assembly of SDs by impacting on Scramb1 activity.

Roles of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in the renal podocyte injury of experimental hypertensive nephropathy

Glomerular podocyte injury plays an essential role in proteinuria pathogenesis, a hallmark of chronic kidney disease, including hypertensive nephropathy. Although podocytes are susceptible to mechanical stimuli, their mechanotransduction pathways remain elusive. Piezo proteins, including Piezo1 and 2, are mechanosensing ion channels that mediate various biological phenomena. Although renal Piezo2 expression and its alteration in rodent dehydration and hypertension models have been reported, the role of Piezo1 in hypertensive nephropathy and podocyte injury is unclear. In this study, we examined Piezo1 expression and localization in the kidneys of control mice and in those of mice with hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Uninephrectomized, aldosterone-infused, salt-loaded mice developed hypertension, albuminuria, podocyte injury, and glomerulosclerosis. RNAscope in situ hybridization revealed that Piezo1 expression was enhanced in the podocytes, mesangial cells, and distal tubular cells of these mice compared to those of the uninephrectomized, vehicle-infused control group. Piezo1 upregulation in the glomeruli was accompanied by the induction of podocyte injury-related markers, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1. These changes were reversed by antihypertensive drug. Exposure of Piezo1-expressing cultured podocytes to mechanical stretch activated Rac1 and upregulated the above-mentioned markers, which was antagonized by the Piezo1 blocker grammostola mechanotoxin #4 (GsMTx4). Administration of Piezo1-specific agonist Yoda1 mimicked the effects of mechanical stretch, which was minimized by the Yoda1-specific inhibitor Dooku1 and Rac inhibitor. Rac1 was also activated in the above-mentioned hypertensive mice, and Rac inhibitor downregulated gene expression of podocyte injury-related markers in vivo. Our results suggest that Piezo1 plays a role in mechanical stress-induced podocyte injury.

An atlas of protein homo-oligomerization across domains of life

Protein structures are essential to understanding cellular processes in molecular detail. While advances in artificial intelligence revealed the tertiary structure of proteins at scale, their quaternary structure remains mostly unknown. We devise a scalable strategy based on AlphaFold2 to predict homo-oligomeric assemblies across four proteomes spanning the tree of life. Our results suggest that approximately 45% of an archaeal proteome and a bacterial proteome and 20% of two eukaryotic proteomes form homomers. Our predictions accurately capture protein homo-oligomerization, recapitulate megadalton complexes, and unveil hundreds of homo-oligomer types, including three confirmed experimentally by structure determination. Integrating these datasets with omics information suggests that a majority of known protein complexes are symmetric. Finally, these datasets provide a structural context for interpreting disease mutations and reveal coiled-coil regions as major enablers of quaternary structure evolution in human. Our strategy is applicable to any organism and provides a comprehensive view of homo-oligomerization in proteomes.

Galectin-3 and prohibitin 1 are autoantigens in IgG4-related cholangitis without clear-cut protective effects against toxic bile acids

Background and aims

IgG4-related cholangitis (IRC) is the hepatobiliary manifestation of IgG4-related disease, a systemic B cell-driven fibro-inflammatory disorder. Four autoantigens have recently been described in IgG4-RD: annexin A11, galectin-3, laminin 511-E8, and prohibitin 1. We have previously reported a protective role of annexin A11 and laminin 511-E8 in human cholangiocytes against toxic bile acids. Here, we explored the potentially protective role of the carbohydrate-binding lectin galectin-3 and the scaffold proteins prohibitins 1 and 2.

Methods

Anti-galectin-3, anti-prohibitin 1 and 2 autoantibody positivity in IRC and healthy and disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)) control sera was assessed by ELISA/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Human H69 cholangiocytes were subjected to short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown targeting galectin-3 (LGALS3), prohibitin 1 (PHB1), and prohibitin 2 (PHB2). H69 cholangiocytes were also exposed to recombinant galectin-3, the inhibitor GB1107, recombinant prohibitin 1, and the pan-prohibitin inhibitor rocaglamide. Protection against bile acid toxicity was assessed by intracellular pH (pHi) measurements using BCECF-AM, 22,23-3H-glycochenodeoxycholic acid (3H-GCDC) influx, and GCDC-induced apoptosis using Caspase-3/7 assays.

Results

Anti-galectin-3 autoantibodies were detected in 13.5% of individuals with IRC but not in PSC. Knockdown of LGALS3 and galectin-3 inhibition with GB1107 did not affect pHi, whereas recombinant galectin-3 incubation lowered pHi. LGALS3 knockdown increased GCDC-influx but not GCDC-induced apoptosis. GB1107 reduced GCDC-influx and GCDC-induced apoptosis. Recombinant galectin-3 tended to decrease GCDC-influx and GCDC-induced apoptosis. Anti-prohibitin 1 autoantibodies were detected in 61.5% and 35.7% of individuals with IRC and PSC, respectively. Knockdown of PHB1, combined PHB1/2 KD, treatment with rocaglamide, and recombinant prohibitin 1 all lowered pHi. Knockdown of PHB1, PHB2, or combined PHB1/2 did not alter GCDC-influx, yet knockdown of PHB1 increased GCDC-induced apoptosis. Conversely, rocaglamide reduced GCDC-influx but did not attenuate GCDC-induced apoptosis. Recombinant prohibitin 1 did not affect GCDC-influx or GCDC-induced apoptosis. Finally, anti-galectin-3 and anti-prohibitin 1 autoantibody pretreatment did not lead to increased GCDC-influx.

Conclusions

A subset of individuals with IRC have autoantibodies against galectin-3 and prohibitin 1. Gene-specific knockdown, pharmacological inhibition, and recombinant protein substitution did not clearly disclose a protective role of these autoantigens in human cholangiocytes against toxic bile acids. The involvement of these autoantibodies in processes surpassing epithelial secretion remains to be elucidated.

In vivo characterization of a podocyte-expressed short podocin isoform

The most common genetic causes of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) are mutations in the NPHS2 gene, which encodes the cholesterol-binding, lipid-raft associated protein podocin. Mass spectrometry and cDNA sequencing revealed the existence of a second shorter isoform in the human kidney in addition to the well-studied canonical full-length protein. Distinct subcellular localization of the shorter isoform that lacks part of the conserved PHB domain suggested a physiological role. Here, we analyzed whether this protein can substitute for the canonical full-length protein. The short isoform of podocin is not found in other organisms except humans. We therefore analysed a mouse line expressing the equivalent podocin isoform (podocinΔexon5) by CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing. We characterized the phenotype of these mice expressing podocinΔexon5 and used targeted mass spectrometry and qPCR to compare protein and mRNA levels of podocinwildtype and podocinΔexon5. After immunolabeling slit diaphragm components, STED microscopy was applied to visualize alterations of the podocytes' foot process morphology.Mice homozygous for podocinΔexon5 were born heavily albuminuric and did not survive past the first 24 h after birth. Targeted mass spectrometry revealed massively decreased protein levels of podocinΔexon5, whereas mRNA abundance was not different from the canonical form of podocin. STED microscopy revealed the complete absence of podocin at the podocytes' slit diaphragm and severe morphological alterations of podocyte foot processes. Mice heterozygous for podocinΔexon5 were phenotypically and morphologically unaffected despite decreased podocin and nephrin protein levels.The murine equivalent to the human short isoform of podocin cannot stabilize the lipid-protein complex at the podocyte slit diaphragm. Reduction of podocin levels at the site of the slit diaphragm complex has a detrimental effect on podocyte function and morphology. It is associated with decreased protein abundance of nephrin, the central component of the filtration-slit forming slit diaphragm protein complex.

A MEC-2/stomatin condensate liquid-to-solid phase transition controls neuronal mechanotransduction during touch sensing

A growing body of work suggests that the material properties of biomolecular condensates ensuing from liquid-liquid phase separation change with time. How this aging process is controlled and whether the condensates with distinct material properties can have different biological functions is currently unknown. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we show that MEC-2/stomatin undergoes a rigidity phase transition from fluid-like to solid-like condensates that facilitate transport and mechanotransduction, respectively. This switch is triggered by the interaction between the SH3 domain of UNC-89 (titin/obscurin) and MEC-2. We suggest that this rigidity phase transition has a physiological role in frequency-dependent force transmission in mechanosensitive neurons during body wall touch. Our data demonstrate a function for the liquid and solid phases of MEC-2/stomatin condensates in facilitating transport or mechanotransduction, and a previously unidentified role for titin homologues in neurons.

The cation-leaky hereditary stomatocytosis syndromes: A tale of six proteins

This review concerns a series of dominantly inherited haemolytic anaemias in which the membrane of the erythrocyte 'leaks' the univalent cations, compromising the osmotic stability of the cell. The majority of the conditions are explained by mutations in one of six genes, coding for multispanning membrane proteins of different structure and function. These are: RhAG, coding for an ammonium carrier; SLC4A1, coding for the band 3 anion exchanger; PIEZO1, coding for a mechanosensitive cation channel; GLUT1, coding for a glucose transporter; KCNN4, coding for an internal-calcium-activated potassium channel; and ABCB6, coding for a porphyrin transporter. This review describes the five clinical syndromes associated with genetic defects in these genes and their variable genotype/phenotype relationships.

Deletion of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 restores SUMOylation of podocin and reverses the progression of diabetic kidney disease

Both clinical and experimental data suggest that podocyte injury is involved in the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Although the mechanisms underlying the development of podocyte loss are not completely understood, critical structural proteins such as podocin play a major role in podocyte survival and function. We have reported that the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 expression increased in podocytes of diabetic mice and glomeruli of patients with diabetes. However, the in vivo contribution of SHP-1 in podocytes is unknown. Conditional podocyte-specific SHP-1-deficient mice (Podo-SHP-1-/-) were generated to evaluate the impact of SHP-1 deletion at four weeks of age (early) prior to the onset of diabetes and after 20 weeks (late) of diabetes (DM; Ins2+/C96Y) on kidney function (albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate) and kidney pathology. Ablation of the SHP-1 gene specifically in podocytes prevented and even reversed the elevated albumin/creatinine ratio, glomerular filtration rate progression, mesangial cell expansion, glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular basement membrane thickening and podocyte foot process effacement induced by diabetes. Moreover, podocyte-specific deletion of SHP-1 at an early and late stage prevented diabetes-induced expression of collagen IV, fibronectin, transforming growth factor-β, transforming protein RhoA, and serine/threonine kinase ROCK1, whereas it restored nephrin, podocin and cation channel TRPC6 expression. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that SHP-1 reduced SUMO2 post-translational modification of podocin while podocyte-specific deletion of SHP-1 preserved slit diaphragm protein complexes in the diabetic context. Thus, our data uncovered a new role of SHP-1 in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics and slit diaphragm protein expression/stability, and its inhibition preserved podocyte function preventing DKD progression.

Bacterial membrane dynamics: Compartmentalization and repair

In every bacterial cell, the plasma membrane plays a key role in viability as it forms a selective barrier between the inside of the cell and its environment. This barrier function depends on the physical state of the lipid bilayer and the proteins embedded or associated with the bilayer. Over the past decade or so, it has become apparent that many membrane-organizing proteins and principles, which were described in eukaryote systems, are ubiquitous and play important roles in bacterial cells. In this minireview, we focus on the enigmatic roles of bacterial flotillins in membrane compartmentalization and bacterial dynamins and ESCRT-like systems in membrane repair and remodeling.

Immunohistochemistry Reveals TRPC Channels in the Human Hearing Organ-A Novel CT-Guided Approach to the Cochlea

TRPC channels are critical players in cochlear hair cells and sensory neurons, as demonstrated in animal experiments. However, evidence for TRPC expression in the human cochlea is still lacking. This reflects the logistic and practical difficulties in obtaining human cochleae. The purpose of this study was to detect TRPC6, TRPC5 and TRPC3 in the human cochlea. Temporal bone pairs were excised from ten body donors, and the inner ear was first assessed based on computed tomography scans. Decalcification was then performed using 20% EDTA solutions. Immunohistochemistry with knockout-tested antibodies followed. The organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, the spiral lamina, spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear nerves were specifically stained. This unique report of TRPC channels in the human cochlea supports the hypothesis of the potentially critical role of TRPC channels in human cochlear health and disease which has been suggested in previous rodent experiments.

A Conserved Role for Stomatin Domain Genes in Olfactory Behavior

The highly-conserved stomatin domain has been identified in genes throughout all classes of life. In animals, different stomatin domain-encoding genes have been implicated in the function of the kidney, red blood cells, and specific neuron types, although the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. In one well-studied example of stomatin domain gene function, the Caenorhabditis elegans gene mec-2 and its mouse homolog Stoml3 are required for the function of mechanosensory neurons, where they modulate the activity of mechanosensory ion channels on the plasma membrane. Here, we identify an additional shared function for mec-2 and Stoml3 in a very different sensory context, that of olfaction. In worms, we find that a subset of stomatin domain genes are expressed in olfactory neurons, but only mec-2 is strongly required for olfactory behavior. mec-2 acts cell-autonomously and multiple alternatively-spliced isoforms of mec-2 can be substituted for each other. We generate a Stoml3 knock-out (KO) mouse and demonstrate that, like its worm homolog mec-2, it is required for olfactory behavior. In mice, Stoml3 is not required for odor detection, but is required for odor discrimination. Therefore, in addition to their shared roles in mechanosensory behavior, mec-2 and Stoml3 also have a shared role in olfactory behavior.

Cyanobacterial membrane dynamics in the light of eukaryotic principles

Intracellular compartmentalization is a hallmark of eukaryotic cells. Dynamic membrane remodeling, involving membrane fission/fusion events, clearly is crucial for cell viability and function, as well as membrane stabilization and/or repair, e.g., during or after injury. In recent decades, several proteins involved in membrane stabilization and/or dynamic membrane remodeling have been identified and described in eukaryotes. Yet, while typically not having a cellular organization as complex as eukaryotes, also bacteria can contain extra internal membrane systems besides the cytoplasmic membranes (CMs). Thus, also in bacteria mechanisms must have evolved to stabilize membranes and/or trigger dynamic membrane remodeling processes. In fact, in recent years proteins, which were initially defined being eukaryotic inventions, have been recognized also in bacteria, and likely these proteins shape membranes also in these organisms. One example of a complex prokaryotic inner membrane system is the thylakoid membrane (TM) of cyanobacteria, which contains the complexes of the photosynthesis light reaction. Cyanobacteria are evolutionary closely related to chloroplasts, and extensive remodeling of the internal membrane systems has been observed in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria during membrane biogenesis and/or at changing light conditions. We here discuss common principles guiding eukaryotic and prokaryotic membrane dynamics and the proteins involved, with a special focus on the dynamics of the cyanobacterial TMs and CMs.

Capsazepine (CPZ) Inhibits TRPC6 Conductance and Is Protective in Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy and Diabetic Glomerulopathy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which excessively arise in diabetes and systemic inflammatory diseases, modify cellular lipids and cellular lipid composition leading to altered biophysical properties of cellular membranes. The impact of lipid peroxidation on transmembrane signaling routes is not yet well studied. The canonical transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several forms of glomerular diseases. TRPC6 is sensitive to membrane stretch and relies on a distinct lipid environment. This study investigates the effect of oxidative alterations to plasma membrane lipids on TRPC6 activity and the function of the glomerular filter. Knockout of the anti-oxidative, lipid modifying enzyme paraoxonase 2 (PON2) leads to altered biophysical properties of glomerular epithelial cells, which are called podocytes. Cortical stiffness, quantified by atomic force microscopy, was largely increased in PON2-deficient cultured podocytes. PON2 deficiency markedly enhanced TRPC6 channel currents and channel recovery. Treatment with the amphiphilic substance capsazepine in micromolar doses reduced cortical stiffness and abrogated TRPC6 conductance. In in vivo studies, capsazepine reduced the glomerular phenotype in the model of adriamycin-induced nephropathy in PON2 knockout mice and wildtype littermates. In diabetic AKITA mice, the progression of albuminuria and diabetic kidney disease was delayed. In summary, we provide evidence that the modification of membrane characteristics affects TRPC6 signaling. These results could spur future research to investigate modification of the direct lipid environment of TRPC6 as a future therapeutic strategy in glomerular disease.

ANGPTL4 promotes nephrotic syndrome by downregulating podocyte expression of ACTN4 and podocin

BACKGROUND

lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce nephrotic syndrome-like features such as massive proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and fusion of glomerular podocytes with foot processes (FPs) in mice. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) neutralized the negative charge of glomerular basement membrane charge and aggravated renal injury. The mechanism of ANGPTL4 aggravating podocyte injury has not been well clarified. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of ANGPTL4 on podocyte FPs fusion and podocyte signal molecules.

METHODS

We built angptl4 gene knocked out in C57BL6 mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Nephrotic model was built by LPS in wild type and angptl4-/- mice. Expression of ACTN4, podocin and TRPC6 in the glomerulus were determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In physical condition, the wild type and angptl4-/- mice showed no significant differences in biochemical indicators and kidney pathology. But in nephrotic condition, compared with wild type mice hyperlipidemia and proteinuria with the angptl4-/- mice was significantly relieved. Moreover, the degree of FPs fusion was notably improved in the nephrotic mice knocked out angptl4 gene. Expression of ACTN4 and podocin decreased drastically in the glomerulus of wild-type nephrotic mice. Different from wild-type, the ACTN4 and podocin expression showed slight weakening in angptl4-/- nephrotic mice. As transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily member, TRPC6 expression had no visible change in glomerulus of each group.

CONCLUSIONS

ANGPTL4 induces hyperlipidemia and podocyte injury in nephrotic mice, thereby promoting the formation of proteinuria. Its molecular mechanism may be related to ANGPTL4 down-regulating actin cytoskeletal regulatory signals ACTN4 and podocin.

Ion channels and channelopathies in glomeruli

An essential step in renal function entails the formation of an ultrafiltrate that is delivered to the renal tubules for subsequent processing. This process, known as glomerular filtration, is controlled by intrinsic regulatory systems and by paracrine, neuronal, and endocrine signals that converge onto glomerular cells. In addition, the characteristics of glomerular fluid flow, such as the glomerular filtration rate and the glomerular filtration fraction, play an important role in determining blood flow to the rest of the kidney. Consequently, disease processes that initially affect glomeruli are the most likely to lead to end-stage kidney failure. The cells that comprise the glomerular filter, especially podocytes and mesangial cells, express many different types of ion channels that regulate intrinsic aspects of cell function and cellular responses to the local environment, such as changes in glomerular capillary pressure. Dysregulation of glomerular ion channels, such as changes in TRPC6, can lead to devastating glomerular diseases, and a number of channels, including TRPC6, TRPC5, and various ionotropic receptors, are promising targets for drug development. This review discusses glomerular structure and glomerular disease processes. It also describes the types of plasma membrane ion channels that have been identified in glomerular cells, the physiological and pathophysiological contexts in which they operate, and the pathways by which they are regulated and dysregulated. The contributions of these channels to glomerular disease processes, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and diabetic nephropathy, as well as the development of drugs that target these channels are also discussed.

The Effects of TRPC6 Knockout in Animal Models of Kidney Disease

Diseases that induce a loss of renal function affect a substantial portion of the world's population and can range from a slight decline in the glomerular filtration rate or microalbuminuria to complete kidney failure. Kidney disorders can be acute or chronic, but any significant reduction in renal function is associated with increased all-cause morbidity and mortality, especially when the conditions become chronic. There is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches to slow or halt the progression of kidney disease. One potential target of considerable interest is the canonical transient receptor potential-6 (TRPC6) channel. TRCP6 is a cationic channel with a significant permeability to Ca2+. It is expressed in several tissues, including in multiple cell types of the kidney in glomeruli, microvasculature, and tubules. Here, we will describe TRPC6 channels and their roles in signal transduction, with an emphasis on renal cells, and the studies implicating TRPC6 channels in the progression of inherited and acquired kidney diseases. We then describe studies using TRPC6 knockout mice and rats subjected to treatments that model human diseases, including nephrotic syndromes, diabetic nephropathy, autoimmune glomerulonephritis, and acute kidney injuries induced by renal ischemia and by obstruction of the urinary tract. TRPC6 knockout has been shown to reduce glomerular manifestations of disease in several of these models and reduces renal fibrosis caused by urinary tract obstruction. TRPC6 knockout has proven to be less effective at reducing diabetic nephropathy in mouse and rat models. We also summarize the implications of these studies for drug development.

Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) Deficiency Reproduces Lipid Alterations of Diabetic and Inflammatory Glomerular Disease and Affects TRPC6 Signaling

Diabetes and inflammatory diseases are associated with an altered cellular lipid composition due to lipid peroxidation. The pathogenic potential of these lipid alterations in glomerular kidney diseases remains largely obscure as suitable cell culture and animal models are lacking. In glomerular disease, a loss of terminally differentiated glomerular epithelial cells called podocytes refers to irreversible damage. Podocytes are characterized by a complex ramified cellular architecture and highly active transmembrane signaling. Alterations in lipid composition in states of disease have been described in podocytes but the pathophysiologic mechanisms mediating podocyte damage are unclear. In this study, we employ a genetic deletion of the anti-oxidative, lipid-modifying paraoxonase 2 enzyme (PON2) as a model to study altered cellular lipid composition and its effects on cellular signaling in glomerular disease. PON2 deficiency reproduces features of an altered lipid composition of glomerular disease, characterized by an increase in ceramides and cholesterol. PON2 knockout mice are more susceptible to glomerular damage in models of aggravated oxidative stress such as adriamycin-induced nephropathy. Voltage clamp experiments in cultured podocytes reveal a largely increased TRPC6 conductance after a membrane stretch in PON2 deficiency. Correspondingly, a concomitant knockout of TRPC6 and PON2 partially rescues the aggravated glomerular phenotype of a PON2 knockout in the adriamycin model. This study establishes PON2 deficiency as a model to investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms of podocyte dysfunction related to alterations in the lipid composition, as seen in diabetic and inflammatory glomerular disease. Expanding the knowledge on these routes and options of intervention could lead to novel treatment strategies for glomerular disease.

Kidney and lipids: novel potential therapeutic targets for dyslipidemia in kidney disease?

INTRODUCTION

Altered lipid distribution and metabolism may lead to the development and/or progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for CKD and increases the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Therefore, lipid-lowering treatments may decrease cardiovascular risk and prevent death.

AREAS COVERED

Key players involved in regulating lipid accumulation in the kidney; contribution of lipids to CKD progression, lipotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney disease; recent therapeutic approaches for dyslipidemia.

EXPERT OPINION

The precise mechanisms for regulating lipid metabolism, particularly in kidney disease, are poorly understood. Guidelines for lipid-lowering therapy for CKD are controversial. Several hypolipemic therapies are available, but compared to others, statin therapy is the most common. No clinical trial has evaluated the efficacy of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) in preventing cardiovascular events or improving kidney function among patients with CKD or kidney transplant recipients. Attractive alternatives, such as PCSK9-small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules or evinacumab are available. Additionally, several promising agents, such as cyclodextrins and the FXR/TGR5 dual agonist, INT-767, can improve renal lipid metabolism disorders and delay CKD progression. Drugs targeting mitochondrial dysfunction could be an option for the treatment of dyslipidemia and lipotoxicity, particularly in renal diseases.

The diverse functions of the DEG/ENaC family: linking genetic and physiological insights

The DEG/ENaC family of ion channels was defined based on the sequence similarity between degenerins (DEG) from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and subunits of the mammalian epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and also includes a diverse array of non-voltage-gated cation channels from across animal phyla, including the mammalian acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and Drosophila pickpockets. ENaCs and ASICs have wide ranging medical importance; for example, ENaCs play an important role in respiratory and renal function, and ASICs in ischaemia and inflammatory pain, as well as being implicated in memory and learning. Electrophysiological approaches, both in vitro and in vivo, have played an essential role in establishing the physiological properties of this diverse family, identifying an array of modulators and implicating them in an extensive range of cellular functions, including mechanosensation, acid sensation and synaptic modulation. Likewise, genetic studies in both invertebrates and vertebrates have played an important role in linking our understanding of channel properties to function at the cellular and whole animal/behavioural level. Drawing together genetic and physiological evidence is essential to furthering our understanding of the precise cellular roles of DEG/ENaC channels, with the diversity among family members allowing comparative physiological studies to dissect the molecular basis of these diverse functions.

Tetrandrine Attenuates Podocyte Injury by Inhibiting TRPC6-Mediated RhoA/ROCK1 Pathway

Tetrandrine (Tet), a compound found in a traditional Chinese medicine, presents the protective effect for kidney function. Our study is aimed at clarifying the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Tet on podocyte injury. In this study, podocyte injury was induced in rats with adriamycin (ADR), and MPC5 podocytes were constructed with TRPC6 overexpression. We found that Tet treatment reduced the levels of proteinuria, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen and increased plasma albumin levels in ADR-induced rats. Tet reduced intracellular Ca2+ influx and apoptosis in MPC5 podocytes overexpressing TRPC6. Tet downregulated the expression of renal TRPC6, RhoA, and ROCK1 and upregulated the expression of synaptopodin; meanwhile, it reduced calcineurin activity in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, Tet protects against podocyte by affecting TRPC6 and its downstream RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.

Association Between NPHS2 p.R229Q and Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis/Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome

Aim

NPHS2 is the coding gene of podocin. This study aims to investigate the association between NPHS2 p.R229Q (rs61747728), the most frequently reported missense variant of NPHS2, and focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) based on typing the variant in a Chinese FSGS/SRNS cohort and conducting a meta-analysis.

Method

We recruited patients with FSGS or SRNS and healthy individuals. To conduct a meta-analysis, all studies on p.R229Q and FSGS/SRNS were searched from public databases.

Results

In total, we enrolled 204 patients with FSGS, 61 patients with SRNS [46 with FSGS, 9 with minimal change disease (MCD), and six patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN)], and 100 healthy controls. Unexpectedly, p.R229Q was absent in the patients from our cohort. By meta-analysis of 21 studies including 2,489 patients with FSGS/SRNS and 6,004 healthy controls, we confirmed that the A allele of p.R229Q was significantly associated with increased risk of FSGS/SRNS (allelic OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.44-2.52, P < 0.001). However, the subgroup analysis showed that the association between p.R229Q and FSGS/SRNS was true only in Caucasians (allelic OR = 2.14, 95%CI = 1.54-2.98, P < 0.001) and in early-onset patients (allelic OR: 2.13, 95% CI = 1.21-3.76, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

NPHS2 p.R229Q may play an important role in enhancing the susceptibility of FSGS/SRNS, especially in ethnicity of Caucasian and age of early-onset patients.

Exploring TRPC3 Interaction with Cholesterol through Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) channel belongs to the superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels which mediate Ca2+ influx into the cell. These channels constitute essential elements of cellular signalling and have been implicated in a wide range of diseases. TRPC3 is primarily gated by lipids and its surface expression has been shown to be dependent on cholesterol, yet a comprehensive exploration of its interaction with this lipid has thus far not emerged. Here, through 80 µs of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we show that cholesterol interacts with multiple elements of the transmembrane machinery of TRPC3. Through our approach, we identify an annular binding site for cholesterol on the pre-S1 helix and a non-annular site at the interface between the voltage-sensor-like domain and pore domains. Here, cholesterol interacts with exposed polar residues and possibly acts to stabilise the domain interface.

Force From Filaments: The Role of the Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in the Gating of Mechanosensitive Channels

The senses of proprioception, touch, hearing, and blood pressure on mechanosensitive ion channels that transduce mechanical stimuli with high sensitivity and speed. This conversion process is usually called mechanotransduction. From nematode MEC-4/10 to mammalian PIEZO1/2, mechanosensitive ion channels have evolved into several protein families that use variant gating models to convert different forms of mechanical force into electrical signals. In addition to the model of channel gating by stretching from lipid bilayers, another potent model is the opening of channels by force tethering: a membrane-bound channel is elastically tethered directly or indirectly between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular molecules, and the tethering molecules convey force to change the channel structure into an activation form. In general, the mechanical stimulation forces the extracellular structure to move relative to the cytoskeleton, deforming the most compliant component in the system that serves as a gating spring. Here we review recent studies focusing on the ion channel mechanically activated by a tethering force, the mechanotransduction-involved cytoskeletal protein, and the extracellular matrix. The mechanosensitive channel PIEZO2, DEG/ENaC family proteins such as acid-sensing ion channels, and transient receptor potential family members such as NompC are discussed. State-of-the-art techniques, such as polydimethylsiloxane indentation, the pillar array, and micropipette-guided ultrasound stimulation, which are beneficial tools for exploring the tether model, are also discussed.

A cryptic phosphate-binding pocket on the SPFH domain of human stomatin that regulates a novel fibril-like self-assembly

Human stomatin (hSTOM) is a component of the membrane skeleton of erythrocytes that maintains the membrane's shape and stiffness through interconnecting spectrin and actin. hSTOM is a member of the protein family that possesses a single stomatin/prohibitin/flotillin/HflK (SPFH) domain at the center of the molecule. Although SPFH domain proteins are widely distributed from archaea to mammals, the detailed function of the domain remains unclear. In this study, we first determined the solution structure of the SPFH domain of hSTOM (hSTOM(SPFH)) via NMR. The solution structure of hSTOM(SPFH) is essentially identical to the already reported crystal structure of the STOM SPFH domain (mSTOM(SPFH)) of mice, except for the existence of a small hydrophilic pocket on the surface. We identified this pocket as a phosphate-binding site by comparing its NMR spectra with and without phosphate ions. Meanwhile, during the conventional process of protein NMR analysis, we eventually discovered that hSTOM(SPFH) formed a unique solid material after lyophilization. This lyophilized hSTOM(SPFH) sample was moderately slowly dissolved in a physiological buffer. Interestingly, it was resistant to dissolution against the phosphate buffer. We then found that the lyophilized hSTOM(SPFH) formed a fibril-like assembly under electron microscopy. Finally, we succeeded in reproducing this fibril-like assembly of hSTOM(SPFH) using a centrifugal ultrafiltration device, thus demonstrating that the increased protein concentration may promote self-assembly of hSTOM(SPFH) into fibril forms. Our observations may help understand the molecular function of the SPFH domain and its involvement in protein oligomerization as a component of the membrane skeleton. (245 words).

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Solution structure of human stomatin SPFH domain is determined.

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A cryptic phosphate-binding pocket was identified.

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Stomatin SPFH domain can form a fibril-like assembly at a high concentration.

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Phosphate ions promote formation of the fibril-like assembly.

Urine-Derived Kidney Progenitor Cells in Cystinosis

Nephropathic cystinosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the cystinosin (CTNS) gene and is characterized by the excessive shedding of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) and podocytes into urine, development of the renal Fanconi syndrome and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We hypothesized that in compensation for epithelial cell losses, cystinosis kidneys undertake a regenerative effort, and searched for the presence of kidney progenitor cells (KPCs) in the urine of cystinosis patients. Urine was cultured in a specific progenitor medium to isolate undifferentiated cells. Of these, clones were characterized by qPCR, subjected to a differentiation protocol to PTECs and podocytes and assessed by qPCR, Western blot, immunostainings and functional assays. Cystinosis patients voided high numbers of undifferentiated cells in urine, of which various clonal cell lines showed a high capacity for self-renewal and expressed kidney progenitor markers, which therefore were assigned as cystinosis urine-derived KPCs (Cys-uKPCs). Cys-uKPC clones showed the capacity to differentiate between functional PTECs and/or podocytes. Gene addition with wild-type CTNS using lentiviral vector technology resulted in significant reductions in cystine levels. We conclude that KPCs present in the urine of cystinosis patients can be isolated, differentiated and complemented with CTNS in vitro, serving as a novel tool for disease modeling.

Prohibitin-1 plays a regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis

Mitochondria are essential for steroidogenesis. In steroidogenic cells, the initiation of steroidogenesis from cholesterol occurs on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane by the enzyme P450scc. This requires cholesterol import from the cytoplasm through the outer mitochondrial membrane, facilitated by the StAR protein. The subsequent steps leading to P450scc remain elusive. Here we report that the male transgenic mice that expressed a mutant form of a mitochondrial protein prohibitin-1 (PHB1^Tyr114Phe) from the Fabp-4 gene promoter displayed smaller testes, higher testosterone, and lower gonadotropin levels compared with PHB1-expressing and wild-type mice. A subsequent analysis of the testis and Leydig cells from the mice revealed that PHB1 played a previously unknown regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis. This includes a role in coordinating cell signaling, cholesterol homeostasis, and mitochondrial biology pertaining to steroidogenesis. The implications of our finding are broad as the initial stages of steroidogenesis are indistinguishable across steroidogenic cells.

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Tyr114Phe-PHB-1 transgenic male mice reveal PHB-1’s role in testosterone production

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PHB-1 coordinates steroidogenic signaling and events in testosterone biosynthesis

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Tyr114 residue in PHB-1 plays a regulatory role in testosterone production

Nano-Resveratrol: A Promising Candidate for the Treatment of Renal Toxicity Induced by Doxorubicin in Rats Through Modulation of Beclin-1 and mTOR

Background: Although doxorubicin (DXR) is one of the most used anticancer drugs, it can cause life-threatening renal damage. There has been no effective treatment for DXR-induced renal damage until now.

Aim: This work aims at examining the potential impact of nano-resveratrol (N-Resv), native resveratrol (Resv), and their combination with carvedilol (Card) against DXR-induced renal toxicity in rats and to investigate the mechanisms through which these antioxidants act to ameliorate DXR nephrotoxicity. Method: DXR was administered to rats (2 mg/kg, i.p.) twice weekly over 5 weeks. The antioxidants in question were taken 1 week before the DXR dose for 6 weeks.

Results: DXR exhibited an elevation in serum urea, creatinine, renal lipid peroxide levels, endoglin expression, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and beclin-1. On the other hand, renal podocin and mTOR expression and GSH levels were declined. In addition, DNA fragmentation was markedly increased in the DXR-administered group. Treatment with either Resv or N-Resv alone or in combination with Card ameliorated the previously measured parameters.

Conclusion: N-Resv showed superior effectiveness relative to Resv in most of the measured parameters. Histopathological examination revealed amelioration of renal structural and cellular changes after DXR by Card and N-Resv, thus validating the previous biochemical and molecular results.

Structural insights into the membrane microdomain organization by SPFH family proteins

The lateral segregation of membrane constituents into functional microdomains, conceptually known as lipid raft, is a universal organization principle for cellular membranes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The widespread Stomatin, Prohibitin, Flotillin, and HflK/C (SPFH) family proteins are enriched in functional membrane microdomains at various subcellular locations, and therefore were hypothesized to play a scaffolding role in microdomain formation. In addition, many SPFH proteins are also implicated in highly specific processes occurring on the membrane. However, none of these functions is understood at the molecular level. Here we report the structure of a supramolecular complex that is isolated from bacterial membrane microdomains and contains two SPFH proteins (HflK and HflC) and a membrane-anchored AAA+ protease FtsH. HflK and HflC form a circular 24-mer assembly, featuring a laterally segregated membrane microdomain (20 nm in diameter) bordered by transmembrane domains of HflK/C and a completely sealed periplasmic vault. Four FtsH hexamers are embedded inside this microdomain through interactions with the inner surface of the vault. These observations provide a mechanistic explanation for the role of HflK/C and their mitochondrial homologs prohibitins in regulating membrane-bound AAA+ proteases, and suggest a general model for the organization and functionalization of membrane microdomains by SPFH proteins.

Impact of lipid rafts on transient receptor potential channel activities

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily are cation channels that are expressed in nearly every mammalian cell type and respond as cellular sensors to various environmental stimuli. Light, pressure, osmolarity, temperature, and other stimuli can induce TRP calcium conductivity and correspondingly trigger many signaling processes in cells. Disruption of TRP channel activity, as a rule, harms cellular function. Despite numerous studies, the mechanisms of TRP channel regulation are not yet sufficiently clear, in part, because TRP channels are regulated by a broad set of ligands having diverse physical and chemical features. It is now known that some TRP members are located in membrane microdomains termed lipid rafts. Moreover, interaction between specific raft-associated lipids with channels may be a key regulation mechanism. This review examines recent findings related to the roles of lipid rafts in regulation of TRP channel activity. The mechanistic events of channel interactions with the main lipid raft constituent, cholesterol, are being clarified. Better understanding of mechanisms behind such interactions would help establish the key elements of TRP channel regulation and hence allow control of cellular responses to environmental stimuli.

Super-Resolution Imaging of the Filtration Barrier Suggests a Role for Podocin R229Q in Genetic Predisposition to Glomerular Disease

BACKGROUND

Diseases of the kidney's glomerular filtration barrier are a leading cause of end stage renal failure. Despite a growing understanding of genes involved in glomerular disorders in children, the vast majority of adult patients lack a clear genetic diagnosis. The protein podocin p.R229Q, which results from the most common missense variant in NPHS2, is enriched in cohorts of patients with FSGS. However, p.R229Q has been proposed to cause disease only when transassociated with specific additional genetic alterations, and population-based epidemiologic studies on its association with albuminuria yielded ambiguous results.

METHODS

To test whether podocin p.R229Q may also predispose to the complex disease pathogenesis in adults, we introduced the exact genetic alteration in mice using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing (Pod^R231Q ). We assessed the phenotype using super-resolution microscopy and albuminuria measurements and evaluated the stability of the mutant protein in cell culture experiments.

RESULTS

Heterozygous Pod^{R231Q/wild-type} mice did not present any overt kidney disease or proteinuria. However, homozygous Pod^R231Q/R231Q mice developed increased levels of albuminuria with age, and super-resolution microscopy revealed preceding ultrastructural morphologic alterations that were recently linked to disease predisposition. When injected with nephrotoxic serum to induce glomerular injury, heterozygous Pod^{R231Q/wild-type} mice showed a more severe course of disease compared with Pod^{wild-type/wild-type} mice. Podocin protein levels were decreased in Pod^{R231Q/wild-type} and Pod^R231Q/R231Q mice as well as in human cultured podocytes expressing the podocin^R231Q variant. Our in vitro experiments indicate an underlying increased proteasomal degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that podocin R231Q exerts a pathogenic effect on its own, supporting the concept of podocin R229Q contributing to genetic predisposition in adult patients.

Maintaining proteostasis under mechanical stress

Cell survival, tissue integrity and organismal health depend on the ability to maintain functional protein networks even under conditions that threaten protein integrity. Protection against such stress conditions involves the adaptation of folding and degradation machineries, which help to preserve the protein network by facilitating the refolding or disposal of damaged proteins. In multicellular organisms, cells are permanently exposed to stress resulting from mechanical forces. Yet, for long time mechanical stress was not recognized as a primary stressor that perturbs protein structure and threatens proteome integrity. The identification and characterization of protein folding and degradation systems, which handle force-unfolded proteins, marks a turning point in this regard. It has become apparent that mechanical stress protection operates during cell differentiation, adhesion and migration and is essential for maintaining tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart and kidney as well as the immune system. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of mechanical stress protection.

The Expanding Role of Mitochondria, Autophagy and Lipophagy in Steroidogenesis

The fundamental framework of steroidogenesis is similar across steroidogenic cells, especially in initial mitochondrial steps. For instance, the START domain containing protein-mediated cholesterol transport to the mitochondria, and its conversion to pregnenolone by the enzyme P450scc, is conserved across steroidogenic cells. The enzyme P450scc localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane, which makes the mitochondria essential for steroidogenesis. Despite this commonality, mitochondrial structure, number, and dynamics vary substantially between different steroidogenic cell types, indicating implications beyond pregnenolone biosynthesis. This review aims to focus on the growing roles of mitochondria, autophagy and lipophagy in cholesterol uptake, trafficking and homeostasis in steroidogenic cells and consequently in steroidogenesis. We will focus on these aspects in the context of the physiological need for different steroid hormones and cell-intrinsic inherent features in different steroidogenic cell types beyond mitochondria as a mere site for the beginning of steroidogenesis. The overall goal is to provide an authentic and comprehensive review on the expanding role of steroidogenic cell-intrinsic processes in cholesterol homeostasis and steroidogenesis, and to bring attention to the scientific community working in this field on these promising advancements. Moreover, we will discuss a novel mitochondrial player, prohibitin, and its potential role in steroidogenic mitochondria and cells, and consequently, in steroidogenesis.

Evolutionary conservation of intrinsically unstructured regions in slit-diaphragm proteins

Vertebrate kidneys contribute to homeostasis by regulating electrolyte, acid-base balance, removing toxic metabolites from blood, and preventing protein loss into the urine. Glomerular podocytes constitute the blood-urine barrier, and podocyte slit-diaphragm (SD), a modified tight junction, contributes to the glomerular permselectivity. Nephrin, KIRREL1, podocin, CD2AP, and TRPC6 are crucial members of the SD that interact with each other and contribute to the SD's structural and functional integrity. This study analyzed the distribution of these five essential SD proteins across the organisms for which the genome sequence is available. We found a diverse distribution of nephrin and KIRREL1 ranging from nematodes to higher vertebrates, whereas podocin, CD2AP, and TRPC6 are restricted to the vertebrates. Among invertebrates, nephrin and its orthologs consist of more immunoglobulin-3 domains, whereas in the vertebrates, CD80-like C2-set domains are predominant. In the case of KIRREL1 and its orthologs, more Ig domains were observed in invertebrates than vertebrates. Src Homology-3 (SH3) domain of CD2AP and SPFH domain of podocin are highly conserved among vertebrates. TRPC6 and its orthologs had conserved ankyrin repeats, TRP, and ion transport domains, except Chondrichthyes and Echinodermata, which do not possess the ankyrin repeats. Intrinsically unstructured regions (IURs) are conserved across the SD orthologs, suggesting IURs importance in the protein complexes that constitute the slit-diaphragm. For the first time, a study reports the evolutionary insights of vertebrate SD proteins and their invertebrate orthologs.

TBC1D8B, a GTPase-activating protein, is a novel apoptosis inducer

Overexpressed TBC1D8B, a GTPase-activating protein, significantly reduced cultured HCT116 human colon cancer cell number. We tested N-terminal TBC1D8B, which is identical to wild type TBC1D8B from amino acid positions 1 to 427 and possesses a modified sequence from position 428 to 435 (ECGGLFLL) because of the introduction of a premature stop codon at position 436 to narrow down the minimum requirement element. The N-terminal TBC1D8B contains two GRAM domains but not the TBC domain essential for Rab-GTPase activity. The N-terminal TBC1D8B overexpression significantly reduced the cultured HCT116 cell number. When we tested C-terminal TBC1D8B, containing the portion of TBC1D8B absent in the N-terminal TBC1D8B, the cell number reduction was not observed. The N-terminal TBC1D8B overexpression significantly increased the coronin 1B expression and reduced the phosphorylation of serine 51 in eIF2α, respective markers of apoptosis and cell death/survival. Also, caspase 3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase increased cleavage in suspended cells overexpressing the N-terminal TBC1D8B. Taken together, it is not the TBC domain for Rab-GTPase activity, but amino acids 1 to 435, including the two GRAM domains, that is enough for TBC1D8B to cause spontaneous apoptosis. TBC1D8B could be a potential anticancer therapeutic molecule.

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.

Novel TBC1D8B Variant in a 6-Month-Old Boy With Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome: A Case Report

A structural abnormality or dysfunction of podocytes is the major cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS). The TBC1D8B protein interacts with nephrin, a podocyte slit diaphragm protein, regulates vesicle transport, and functions in the pathogenesis of NS. We report a novel potentially pathogenic variant in the TBC1D8B gene in a 6-month-old boy with NS. A 6-month-old boy was admitted to the hospital because of edema and fever. Our systematic examination led to a diagnosis of NS. Because of the early age of onset, we performed trio whole-exome sequencing of him and his parents. The results showed a new potentially pathogenic variant in the TBC1D8B gene on the X chromosome, c.2717A>G (p.His906Arg). After routine glucocorticoid therapy, his urine protein turned negative, indicating steroid-sensitive NS. The new TBC1D8B variant identified here, c.2717A>G (p.His906Arg), may be associated with early-onset NS in children. Although NS due to pathogenic variants in this gene is more commonly steroid-resistant, our patient had steroid-sensitive NS.

Deficiency of Inositol Monophosphatase Activity Decreases Phosphoinositide Lipids and Enhances TRPV1 Function In Vivo

Membrane remodeling by inflammatory mediators influences the function of sensory ion channels. The capsaicin- and heat-activated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel contributes to neurogenic inflammation and pain hypersensitivity, in part because of its potentiation downstream of phospholipase C-coupled receptors that regulate phosphoinositide lipid content. Here, we determined the effect of phosphoinositide lipids on TRPV1 function by combining genetic dissection, diet supplementation, and behavioral, biochemical, and functional analyses in Caenorhabditis elegans As capsaicin elicits heat and pain sensations in mammals, transgenic TRPV1 worms exhibit an aversive response to capsaicin. TRPV1 worms with low levels of phosphoinositide lipids display an enhanced response to capsaicin, whereas phosphoinositide lipid supplementation reduces TRPV1-mediated responses. A worm carrying a TRPV1 construct lacking the distal C-terminal domain features an enhanced response to capsaicin, independent of the phosphoinositide lipid content. Our results demonstrate that TRPV1 activity is enhanced when the phosphoinositide lipid content is reduced, and the C-terminal domain is key to determining agonist response in vivo.

Cholesterol Localization around the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 2

The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) 2 plays a key role in the central nervous system. mGluR2 has been shown to be regulated by its surrounding lipid environment, especially by cholesterol, by an unknown mechanism. Here, using a combination of biochemical approaches, photo-cross-linking experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations we show the interaction of cholesterol with at least two, but potentially five more, preferential sites on the mGluR2 transmembrane domain. Our simulations demonstrate that surface matching, rather than electrostatic interactions with specific amino acids, is the main factor defining cholesterol localization. Moreover, the cholesterol localization observed here is similar to the sterol-binding pattern previously described in silico for other members of the mGluR family. Biochemical assays suggest little influence of cholesterol on trafficking or dimerization of mGluR2. Nevertheless, simulations revealed a significant reduction of residue-residue contacts together with an alteration in the internal mechanical stress at the cytoplasmic side of the helical bundle when cholesterol was present in the membrane. These alterations may be related to destabilization of the basal state of mGluR2. Due to the high sequence conservation of the transmembrane domains of mGluRs, the molecular interaction of cholesterol and mGluR2 described here is also likely to be relevant for other members of the mGLuR family.

Structural features and oligomeric nature of human podocin domain

Podocytes are crucial cells of the glomerular filtration unit and plays a vital role at the interface of the blood-urine barrier. Podocyte slit-diaphragm is a modified tight junction that facilitates size and charge-dependent permselectivity. Several proteins including podocin, nephrin, CD2AP, and TRPC6 form a macromolecular assembly and constitute the slit-diaphragm. Podocin is an integral membrane protein attached to the inner membrane of the podocyte via a short transmembrane region (101–125). The cytosolic N- and C-terminus help podocin to attain a hook-like structure. Podocin shares 44% homology with stomatin family proteins and similar to the stomatin proteins, podocin was shown to associate into higher-order oligomers at the site of slit-diaphragm. However, the stoichiometry of the homo-oligomers and how it partakes in the macromolecular assemblies with other slit-diaphragm proteins remains elusive. Here we investigated the oligomeric propensity of a truncated podocin construct (residues:126–350). We show that the podocin domain majorly homo-oligomerizes into a 16-mer. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy suggest that the 16-mer oligomer has considerable secondary structure and moderate tertiary packing.

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Cloning, expression, and purification of truncated podocin (residues: 126–350).

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The truncated podocin predominantly associates into 16mer oligomers.

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The oligomers though possesses secondary structure lacks tight tertiary packing.

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The oligomeric ensemble has different dissociation temperatures.

Cholesterol Regulates Innate Immunity via Nuclear Hormone Receptor NHR-8

Cholesterol is an essential nutrient for the function of diverse biological processes and for steroid biosynthesis across metazoans. However, the role of cholesterol in immune function remains understudied. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which depends on the external environment for cholesterol, we studied the relationship between cholesterol and innate immunity. We found that the transporter CHUP-1 is required for the effect of cholesterol in the development of innate immunity and that the cholesterol-mediated immune response requires the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-8. Cholesterol acts through NHR-8 to transcriptionally regulate immune genes that are controlled by conserved immune pathways, including a p38/PMK-1 MAPK pathway, a DAF-2/DAF-16 insulin pathway, and an Nrf/SKN-1 pathway. Our results indicate that cholesterol plays a key role in the activation of conserved microbicidal pathways that are essential for survival against bacterial infections.

Lipid Rafts in Exosome Biogenesis

Exosomes (secreted extracellular vesicles formed in the intracellular vesicular transport system) play a crucial role in distant cell-cell communication. Exosomes transfer active forms of various biomolecules; the molecular composition of the exosomal cargo is a result of targeted selection and depends on the type of producer cells. The mechanisms underlying exosome formation and cargo selection are poorly understood. It is believed that there are several pathways for exosome biogenesis, although the questions about their independence and simultaneous coexistence in the cell still remain open. The least studied topic is the recently discovered mechanism of exosome formation associated with lipid rafts, or membrane lipid microdomains. Here, we present modern concepts and basic hypotheses on the mechanisms of exosome biogenesis and secretion and summarize current data on the involvement of lipid rafts and their constituent molecules in these processes. Special attention is paid to the analysis of possible role in the exosome formation of raft-forming proteins of the SPFH family, components of planar rafts, and caveolin, the main component of caveolae.

New insight into podocyte slit diaphragm, a therapeutic target of proteinuria

Dysfunction of slit diaphragm, a cell–cell junction of glomerular podocytes, is involved in the development of proteinuria in several glomerular diseases. Slit diaphragm should be a target of a novel therapy for proteinuria. Nephrin, NEPH1, P-cadherin, FAT, and ephrin-B1 were reported to be extracellular components forming a molecular sieve of the slit diaphragm. Several cytoplasmic proteins such as ZO-1, podocin, CD2AP, MAGI proteins and Par-complex molecules were identified as scaffold proteins linking the slit diaphragm to the cytoskeleton. In this article, new insights into these molecules and the pathogenic roles of the dysfunction of these molecules were introduced. The slit diaphragm functions not only as a barrier but also as a signaling platform transfer the signal to the inside of the cell. For maintaining the slit diaphragm function properly, the phosphorylation level of nephrin is strictly regulated. The recent studies on the signaling pathway from nephrin, NEPH1, and ephrin-B1 were reviewed. Although the mechanism regulating the function of the slit diaphragm had remained unclear, recent studies revealed TRPC6 and angiotensin II-regulating mechanisms play a critical role in regulating the barrier function of the slit diaphragm. In this review, recent investigations on the regulation of the slit diaphragm function were reviewed, and a strategy for the establishment of a novel therapy for proteinuria was proposed.

The lipid raft markers stomatin, prohibitin, flotillin, and HflK/C (SPFH)-domain proteins form an operon with NfeD proteins and function with apolar polyisoprenoid lipids

SPFH-domain proteins are found in almost all organisms across three domains: archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. In eukaryotic organelles, their subfamilies exhibit overlapping distribution and functions; thus, the rationality of annotation to discriminate these subfamilies remains unclear. In this review, the binding ability of prokaryotic SPFH-domain proteins towards nonpolar polyisoprenoides such as squalene and lycopene, rather than cholesterol, is discussed. The hydrophobic region at the C-terminus of SPFH-domain proteins constitutes the main region that binds apolar polyisoprenoid lipids as well as cholesterol and substantively contributes towards lipid raft formation as these regions are self-assembled together with specific lipids. Because the scaffolding proteins caveolins show common topological properties with SPFH-domain proteins such as stomatin and flotillin, the α-helical segments of stomatin proteins can flexibly move along with the membrane surface, with such movement potentially leading to membrane bending via lipid raft clustering through the formation of high order homo-oligomeric complexes of SPFH-domain proteins. We also discuss the functional significance and ancient origin of SPFH-domain proteins and the NfeD protein (STOPP) operon, which can be traced back to the ancient living cells that diverged and evolved to archaea and bacteria. Based on the molecular mechanism whereby the STOPP-protease degrades the C-terminal hydrophobic clusters of SPFH-domain proteins, it is conceivable that STOPP-protease might control the physicochemical properties of lipid rafts.