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Haydak J, Azeloglu EU. Role of biophysics and mechanobiology in podocyte physiology. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:371-385. [PMID: 38443711 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00815-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Podocytes form the backbone of the glomerular filtration barrier and are exposed to various mechanical forces throughout the lifetime of an individual. The highly dynamic biomechanical environment of the glomerular capillaries greatly influences the cell biology of podocytes and their pathophysiology. Throughout the past two decades, a holistic picture of podocyte cell biology has emerged, highlighting mechanobiological signalling pathways, cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular adhesion as key determinants of biomechanical resilience in podocytes. This biomechanical resilience is essential for the physiological function of podocytes, including the formation and maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier. Podocytes integrate diverse biomechanical stimuli from their environment and adapt their biophysical properties accordingly. However, perturbations in biomechanical cues or the underlying podocyte mechanobiology can lead to glomerular dysfunction with severe clinical consequences, including proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. As our mechanistic understanding of podocyte mechanobiology and its role in the pathogenesis of glomerular disease increases, new targets for podocyte-specific therapeutics will emerge. Treating glomerular diseases by targeting podocyte mechanobiology might improve therapeutic precision and efficacy, with potential to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease on individuals and health-care systems alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Haydak
- Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evren U Azeloglu
- Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Hou C, Gu Y, Yuan W, Zhang W, Xiu X, Lin J, Gao Y, Liu P, Chen X, Song L. Application of microfluidic chips in the simulation of the urinary system microenvironment. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100553. [PMID: 36747584 PMCID: PMC9898763 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, has a unique mechanical and fluid microenvironment, which is essential to the urinary system growth and development. Microfluidic models, based on micromachining and tissue engineering technology, can integrate pathophysiological characteristics, maintain cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and accurately simulate the vital characteristics of human tissue microenvironments. Additionally, these models facilitate improved visualization and integration and meet the requirements of the laminar flow environment of the urinary system. However, several challenges continue to impede the development of a tissue microenvironment with controllable conditions closely resemble physiological conditions. In this review, we describe the biochemical and physical microenvironment of the urinary system and explore the feasibility of microfluidic technology in simulating the urinary microenvironment and pathophysiological characteristics in vitro. Moreover, we summarize the current research progress on adapting microfluidic chips for constructing the urinary microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and suggest directions for future development and application of microfluidic technology in constructing the urinary microenvironment in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Hou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubo Gu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Wukai Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianjie Xiu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Peichuan Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lujie Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
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