1
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Dan Hu Q, Wang H, Liu J, He T, Tan R, Zhang Q, Su H, Kantawong F, Lan H, Wang L. Btg2 Promotes Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis via Smad3-Dependent Podocyte-Mesenchymal Transition. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304360. [PMID: 37749872 PMCID: PMC10646233 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Podocyte injury plays a critical role in the progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Here, it is reported that B-cell translocation gene 2 (Btg2) promotes Adriamycin (ADR)-induced FSGS via Smad3-dependent podocyte-mesenchymal transition. It is found that in FSGS patients and animal models, Btg2 is markedly upregulated by podocytes and correlated with progressive renal injury. Podocyte-specific deletion of Btg2 protected against the onset of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in ADR-treated mice along with inhibition of EMT markers such as α-SMA and vimentin while restoring epithelial marker E-cadherin. In cultured MPC5 podocytes, overexpression of Btg2 largely promoted ADR and TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibrosis, which is further enhanced by overexpressing Btg2 but blocked by disrupting Btg2. Mechanistically, Btg2 is rapidly induced by TGF-β1 and then bound Smad3 but not Smad2 to promote Smad3 signaling and podocyte EMT, which is again exacerbated by overexpressing Btg2 but blocked by deleting Btg2 in MPC5 podocytes. Interestingly, blockade of Smad3 signaling with a Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 is also capable of inhibiting Btg2 expression and Btg2-mediated podocyte EMT, revealing a TGF-β/Smad3-Btg2 circuit mechanism in Btg2-mediated podocyte injury in FSGS. In conclusion, Btg2 is pathogenic in FSGS and promotes podocyte injury via a Smad3-dependent EMT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong‐ Dan Hu
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicinethe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
- Department of Medical TechnologyFaculty of Associated Medical SciencesChiang Mai UniversityChiang Mai50200Thailand
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Hong‐Lian Wang
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicinethe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
| | - Tao He
- Cancer Medicine InstituteCollege of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
| | - Rui‐Zhi Tan
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicinethe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
- Department of Medical TechnologyFaculty of Associated Medical SciencesChiang Mai UniversityChiang Mai50200Thailand
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
| | - Hong‐Wei Su
- Department of Urologythe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
| | - Fahsai Kantawong
- Department of Medical TechnologyFaculty of Associated Medical SciencesChiang Mai UniversityChiang Mai50200Thailand
| | - Hui‐Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciencesthe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Li Wang
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicinethe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversitySichuan646000China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
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2
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Kabir M, Stuart HM, Lopes FM, Fotiou E, Keavney B, Doig AJ, Woolf AS, Hentges KE. Predicting congenital renal tract malformation genes using machine learning. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13204. [PMID: 37580336 PMCID: PMC10425350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital renal tract malformations (RTMs) are the major cause of severe kidney failure in children. Studies to date have identified defined genetic causes for only a minority of human RTMs. While some RTMs may be caused by poorly defined environmental perturbations affecting organogenesis, it is likely that numerous causative genetic variants have yet to be identified. Unfortunately, the speed of discovering further genetic causes for RTMs is limited by challenges in prioritising candidate genes harbouring sequence variants. Here, we exploited the computer-based artificial intelligence methodology of supervised machine learning to identify genes with a high probability of being involved in renal development. These genes, when mutated, are promising candidates for causing RTMs. With this methodology, the machine learning classifier determines which attributes are common to renal development genes and identifies genes possessing these attributes. Here we report the validation of an RTM gene classifier and provide predictions of the RTM association status for all protein-coding genes in the mouse genome. Overall, our predictions, whilst not definitive, can inform the prioritisation of genes when evaluating patient sequence data for genetic diagnosis. This knowledge of renal developmental genes will accelerate the processes of reaching a genetic diagnosis for patients born with RTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Kabir
- CentreDivision of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Helen M Stuart
- CentreDivision of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Filipa M Lopes
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Elisavet Fotiou
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- C.B.B Lifeline Biotech Ltd, 5 Propontidos Street, Strovolos, 2033, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Bernard Keavney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Manchester Heart Institute, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Andrew J Doig
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Manchester, M13 9BL, UK
| | - Adrian S Woolf
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Kathryn E Hentges
- CentreDivision of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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3
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Martin CE, Phippen NJ, Keyvani Chahi A, Tilak M, Banerjee SL, Lu P, New LA, Williamson CR, Platt MJ, Simpson JA, Krendel M, Bisson N, Gingras AC, Jones N. Complementary Nck1/2 Signaling in Podocytes Controls α Actinin-4-Mediated Actin Organization, Adhesion, and Basement Membrane Composition. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:1546-1567. [PMID: 35906089 PMCID: PMC9342632 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021101343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintenance of the kidney filtration barrier requires coordinated interactions between podocytes and the underlying glomerular basement membrane (GBM). GBM ligands bind podocyte integrins, which triggers actin-based signaling events critical for adhesion. Nck1/2 adaptors have emerged as essential regulators of podocyte cytoskeletal dynamics. However, the precise signaling mechanisms mediated by Nck1/2 adaptors in podocytes remain to be fully elucidated. METHODS We generated podocytes deficient in Nck1 and Nck2 and used transcriptomic approaches to profile expression differences. Proteomic techniques identified specific binding partners for Nck1 and Nck2 in podocytes. We used cultured podocytes and mice deficient in Nck1 and/or Nck2, along with podocyte injury models, to comprehensively verify our findings. RESULTS Compound loss of Nck1/2 altered expression of genes involved in actin binding, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix composition. Accordingly, Nck1/2-deficient podocytes showed defects in actin organization and cell adhesion in vitro, with podocyte detachment and altered GBM morphology present in vivo. We identified distinct interactomes for Nck1 and Nck2 and uncovered a mechanism by which Nck1 and Nck2 cooperate to regulate actin bundling at focal adhesions via α actinin-4. Furthermore, loss of Nck1 or Nck2 resulted in increased matrix deposition in vivo, with more prominent defects in Nck2-deficient mice, consistent with enhanced susceptibility to podocyte injury. CONCLUSION These findings reveal distinct, yet complementary, roles for Nck proteins in regulating podocyte adhesion, controlling GBM composition, and sustaining filtration barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Martin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noah J Phippen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ava Keyvani Chahi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manali Tilak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara L Banerjee
- Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec-Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peihua Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura A New
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Casey R Williamson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathew J Platt
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy A Simpson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mira Krendel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec-Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nina Jones
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Song H, Zhuang L, Xu X, Shi J, Hu W, Liu Z, Shi S. MCC Regulator of WNT Signaling Pathway (MCC) Is a Podocyte Essential Gene. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:777563. [PMID: 34926519 PMCID: PMC8674659 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.777563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocytes are an integral part of the glomerular filtration barrier. Many genes are already known to be essential for podocyte survival, structure and function, but there are more podocyte essential genes to be identified. By single-cell RNA-seq of mouse podocytes, we detected the expression of gene encoding MCC regulator of WNT signaling pathway (MCC) in majority of the podocytes and speculated that MCC is essential for podocytes. We confirmed MCC expression in mouse podocytes and further showed its expression in human podocytes. To experimentally prove the essentiality of MCC for podocytes, we knocked down MCC in cultured podocytes and found marked morphological change of cell shape, cytoskeletal F-actin stress fiber disruption, increased apoptosis, and downregulation of podocyte essential genes, CD2AP and WT1, demonstrating that MCC is essential for podocytes. Since MCC has been implicated in cell cycle and β-catenin signaling, we examined the expression of cell cycle related genes and activity of β-catenin in the MCC knockdown podocytes, but did not find significant changes. To further explore the mechanism underlying the role of MCC in podocytes, we performed RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of MCC knockdown podocytes and found a significant enrichment of the regulated genes in lamellipodia formation. Consistently, we found that MCC is present in lamellipodia and MCC knockdown resulted in loss of lamellipodia in the cells. Lastly, we found that MCC was downregulated in podocytes treated with puromycin aminonucleosides and in glomeruli of diabetic mice and FSGS patients, implicating MCC is involved in the development of podocytopathy and proteinuria. In conclusion, MCC is potentially essential for podocytes and its downregulation may be involved in podocytopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lulu Zhuang
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingsong Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weixin Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaolin Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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5
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Zhang Y, Chen X, Fan Y, Liu J, Yuan L. XCL1 Aggravates Diabetic Nephropathy-Mediated Renal Glomerular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response via Regulating p53/Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Pathway. Nephron Clin Pract 2021; 146:84-98. [PMID: 34518457 DOI: 10.1159/000518172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glomerular endothelial cell damage plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to clarify the role of XCL1 in DN-mediated glomerular endothelial cell apoptosis and whether the function was related to the activation of the p53/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Candidate biomarkers were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was calculated and used to evaluate the discriminating ability. Cell viability, apoptosis, and interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α expression at messenger RNA and protein levels were detected by using the Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting assays. In vivo studies were conducted in the DN mice. RESULTS The LASSO regression model displayed good discriminating performance, with a C-index of 0.803 and good calibration, and high XCL1 expression was identified as the predicting factor for DN in diabetes mellitus patients. XCL1 expression was upregulated in glomeruli of db/db mice, which was closely related to the expression of its receptor (XCR1). XCL1 overexpression played an important role in the apoptosis and inflammatory response of high glucose (HG)-treated human renal glomerular endothelial cells. Meanwhile, the expression of p53 and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were upregulated upon XCL1 overexpression. p53 silencing with its inhibitor blocked the apoptotic response and inflammatory response in XCL1-overexpressed cells exposed to HG. Besides, the XCL1 overexpression-induced downregulation of NF-κB was reversed by pifithrin-α pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings in this work provided the mechanistic insights into the effects of XCL1 on the modulation of DN development, illustrating that XCL1 might serve as an essential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for DN progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yaping Fan
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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6
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Deleersnijder D, Van Craenenbroeck AH, Sprangers B. Deconvolution of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Pathophysiology Using Transcriptomics Techniques. GLOMERULAR DISEASES 2021; 1:265-276. [PMID: 36751384 PMCID: PMC9677714 DOI: 10.1159/000518404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a histopathological pattern of renal injury and comprises a heterogeneous group of clinical conditions with different pathophysiology, clinical course, prognosis, and treatment. Nevertheless, subtype differentiation in clinical practice often remains challenging, and we currently lack reliable diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. The advent of new transcriptomics techniques in kidney research poses great potential in the identification of gene expression biomarkers that can be applied in clinical practice. Summary Transcriptomics techniques have been completely revolutionized in the last 2 decades, with the evolution from low-throughput reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization techniques to microarrays and next-generation sequencing techniques, including RNA-sequencing and single-cell transcriptomics. The integration of human gene expression profiles with functional in vitro and in vivo experiments provides a deeper mechanistic insight into the candidate genes, which enable the development of novel-targeted therapies. The correlation of gene expression profiles with clinical outcomes of large patient cohorts allows for the development of clinically applicable biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis and predict prognosis and therapy response. Finally, the integration of transcriptomics with other "omics" modalities creates a holistic view on disease pathophysiology. Key Messages New transcriptomics techniques allow high-throughput gene expression profiling of patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The integration with clinical outcomes and fundamental mechanistic studies enables the discovery of new clinically useful biomarkers that will finally improve the clinical outcome of patients with FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries Deleersnijder
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Division of Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amaryllis H. Van Craenenbroeck
- Division of Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben Sprangers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Division of Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,*Ben Sprangers,
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7
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Wang Y, Eng DG, Kaverina NV, Loretz CJ, Koirala A, Akilesh S, Pippin JW, Shankland SJ. Global transcriptomic changes occur in aged mouse podocytes. Kidney Int 2020; 98:1160-1173. [PMID: 32592814 PMCID: PMC7606654 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Glomerular podocytes undergo structural and functional changes with advanced age, that increase susceptibility of aging kidneys to worse outcomes following superimposed glomerular diseases. To delineate transcriptional changes in podocytes in aged mice, RNA-seq was performed on isolated populations of reporter-labeled (tdTomato) podocytes from multiple young (two to three months) and advanced aged mice (22 to 24 months, equivalent to 70 plus year old humans). Of the 2,494 differentially expressed genes, 1,219 were higher and 1,275 were lower in aged podocytes. Pathway enrichment showed that major biological processes increased in aged podocytes included immune responses, non-coding RNA metabolism, gene silencing and MAP kinase signaling. Conversely, aged podocytes showed downregulation of developmental, morphogenesis and metabolic processes. Canonical podocyte marker gene expression decreased in aged podocytes, with increases in apoptotic and senescence genes providing a mechanism for the progressive loss of podocytes seen with aging. In addition, we revealed aberrations in the podocyte autocrine signaling network, identified the top transcription factors perturbed in aged podocytes, and uncovered candidate gene modulations that might promote healthy aging in podocytes. The transcriptional signature of aging is distinct from other kidney diseases. Thus, our study provides insights into biomarker discovery and molecular targeting of the aging process itself within podocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Wang
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Diana G Eng
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natalya V Kaverina
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carol J Loretz
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Abbal Koirala
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shreeram Akilesh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Pippin
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stuart J Shankland
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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8
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Martinez-Arroyo O, Ortega A, Perez-Hernandez J, Chaves FJ, Redon J, Cortes R. The Rab-Rabphilin system in injured human podocytes stressed by glucose overload and angiotensin II. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 319:F178-F191. [PMID: 32567349 PMCID: PMC7473899 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00077.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney injury in hypertension and diabetes entails, among in other structures, damage in a key cell of the glomerular filtration barrier, the podocyte. Podocytes are polarized and highly differentiated cells in which vesicular transport, partly driven by Rab GTPases, is a relevant process. The aim of the present study was to analyze Rab GTPases of the Rab-Rabphilin system in human immortalized podocytes and the impact of high glucose and angiotensin II. Furthermore, alterations of the system in urine cell pellets from patients with hypertension and diabetes were studied. Apoptosis was analyzed in podocytes, and mRNA level quantification, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were developed to quantify podocyte-specific molecules and Rab-Rabphilin components (Rab3A, Rab27A, and Rabphilin3A). Quantitative RT-PCR was performed on urinary cell pellet from patients. The results showed that differentiated cells had reduced protein levels of the Rab-rabphillin system compared with undifferentiated cells. After glucose overload and angiotensin II treatment, apoptosis was increased and podocyte-specific proteins were reduced. Rab3A and Rab27A protein levels were increased under glucose overload, and Rabphilin3A decreased. Furthermore, this system exhibited higher levels under stress conditions in a manner of angiotensin II dose and time treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging indicated different expression patterns of podocyte markers and Rab27A under treatments. Finally, Rab3A and Rab27A were increased in patient urine pellets and showed a direct relationship with albuminuria. Collectively, these results suggest that the Rab-Rabphilin system could be involved in the alterations observed in injured podocytes and that a mechanism may be activated to reduce damage through the vesicular transport enhancement directed by this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Martinez-Arroyo
- Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Research Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Ortega
- Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Research Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Perez-Hernandez
- Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Research Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe J Chaves
- Genomics and Diabetes Unit, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases, Institute of Health Carlos III, Minister of Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Redon
- Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Research Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Internal Medicine Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain.,CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Minister of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Cortes
- Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Research Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
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9
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Bukosza EN, Kratochwill K, Kornauth C, Schachner H, Aufricht C, Gebeshuber CA. Podocyte RNA sequencing reveals Wnt- and ECM-associated genes as central in FSGS. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231898. [PMID: 32302353 PMCID: PMC7164636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of podocyte differentiation can cause nephrotic-range proteinuria and Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). As specific therapy is still lacking, FSGS frequently progresses to end-stage renal disease. The exact molecular mechanisms of FSGS and gene expression changes in podocytes are complex and widely unknown as marker changes have mostly been assessed on the glomerular level. To gain a better insight, we isolated podocytes of miR-193a overexpressing mice, which suffer from FSGS due to suppression of the podocyte master regulator Wt1. We characterised the podocytic gene expression changes by RNAseq and identified many novel candidate genes not linked to FSGS so far. This included strong upregulation of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA6 and a massive dysregulation of circadian genes including the loss of the transcriptional activator Arntl. By comparison with podocyte-specific changes in other FSGS models we found a shared dysregulation of genes associated with the Wnt signaling cascade, while classical podocyte-specific genes appeared widely unaltered. An overlap with gene expression screens from human FSGS patients revealed a strong enrichment in genes associated with extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and metabolism. Our data suggest that FSGS progression might frequently depend on pathways that are often overlooked when considering podocyte homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nora Bukosza
- Translational Medicine Institute, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Kratochwill
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Molecular Stress Research in Peritoneal Dialysis, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Kornauth
- Clinical Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helga Schachner
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Aufricht
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph A. Gebeshuber
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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