1
|
Labat-de-Hoz L, Fernández-Martín L, Correas I, Alonso MA. INF2 formin variants linked to human inherited kidney disease reprogram the transcriptome, causing mitotic chaos and cell death. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:279. [PMID: 38916773 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05323-y] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in the human INF2 gene cause autosomal dominant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)-a condition characterized by podocyte loss, scarring, and subsequent kidney degeneration. To understand INF2-linked pathogenicity, we examined the effect of pathogenic INF2 on renal epithelial cell lines and human primary podocytes. Our study revealed an increased incidence of mitotic cells with surplus microtubule-organizing centers fostering multipolar spindle assembly, leading to nuclear abnormalities, particularly multi-micronucleation. The levels of expression of exogenous pathogenic INF2 were similar to those of endogenous INF2. The aberrant nuclear phenotypes were observed regardless of the expression method used (retrovirus infection or plasmid transfection) or the promoter (LTR or CMV) used, and were absent with exogenous wild type INF2 expression. This indicates that the effect of pathogenic INF2 is not due to overexpression or experimental cell manipulation, but instead to the intrinsic properties of pathogenic INF2. Inactivation of the INF2 catalytic domain prevented aberrant nuclei formation. Pathogenic INF2 triggered the translocation of the transcriptional cofactor MRTF into the nucleus. RNA sequencing revealed a profound alteration in the transcriptome that could be primarily attributed to the sustained activation of the MRTF-SRF transcriptional complex. Cells eventually underwent mitotic catastrophe and death. Reducing MRTF-SRF activation mitigated multi-micronucleation, reducing the extent of cell death. Our results, if validated in animal models, could provide insights into the mechanism driving glomerular degeneration in INF2-linked FSGS and may suggest potential therapeutic strategies for impeding FSGS progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Labat-de-Hoz
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Fernández-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Correas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, UAM, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Alonso
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Subramanian B, Williams S, Karp S, Hennino MF, Jacas S, Lee M, Riella CV, Alper SL, Higgs HN, Pollak MR. Missense Mutant Gain-of-Function Causes Inverted Formin 2 (INF2)-Related Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.08.598088. [PMID: 38915495 PMCID: PMC11195136 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.08.598088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Inverted formin-2 (INF2) gene mutations are among the most common causes of genetic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with or without Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Recent studies suggest that INF2, through its effects on actin and microtubule arrangement, can regulate processes including vesicle trafficking, cell adhesion, mitochondrial calcium uptake, mitochondrial fission, and T-cell polarization. Despite roles for INF2 in multiple cellular processes, neither the human pathogenic R218Q INF2 point mutation nor the INF2 knock-out allele is sufficient to cause disease in mice. This discrepancy challenges our efforts to explain the disease mechanism, as the link between INF2-related processes, podocyte structure, disease inheritance pattern, and their clinical presentation remains enigmatic. Here, we compared the kidney responses to puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) induced injury between R218Q INF2 point mutant knock-in and INF2 knock-out mouse models and show that R218Q INF2 mice are susceptible to developing proteinuria and FSGS. This contrasts with INF2 knock-out mice, which show only a minimal kidney phenotype. Co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation analysis of wild-type and mutant INF2 coupled with measurements of cellular actin content revealed that the R218Q INF2 point mutation confers a gain-of-function effect by altering the actin cytoskeleton, facilitated in part by alterations in INF2 localization. Differential analysis of RNA expression in PAN-stressed heterozygous R218Q INF2 point-mutant and heterozygous INF2 knock-out mouse glomeruli showed that the adhesion and mitochondria-related pathways were significantly enriched in the disease condition. Mouse podocytes with R218Q INF2, and an INF2-mutant human patient's kidney organoid-derived podocytes with an S186P INF2 mutation, recapitulate the defective adhesion and mitochondria phenotypes. These results link INF2-regulated cellular processes to the onset and progression of glomerular disease. Thus, our data demonstrate that gain-of-function mechanisms drive INF2-related FSGS and explain the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of this disease.
Collapse
|
3
|
Williquett J, Allamargot C, Sun H. AMPK-SP1-Guided Dynein Expression Represents a New Energy-Responsive Mechanism and Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Nephropathy. KIDNEY360 2024; 5:538-549. [PMID: 38467599 PMCID: PMC11093544 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000392] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Key Points AMP kinase senses diabetic stresses in podocytes, subsequently upregulates specificity protein 1–mediated dynein expression and promotes podocyte injury. Pharmaceutical restoration of dynein expression by targeting specificity protein 1 represents an innovative therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy. Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes. Injury to podocytes, epithelial cells that form the molecular sieve of a kidney, is a preclinical feature of DN. Protein trafficking mediated by dynein, a motor protein complex, is a newly recognized pathophysiology of diabetic podocytopathy and is believed to be derived from the hyperglycemia-induced expression of subunits crucial for the transportation activity of the dynein complex. However, the mechanism underlying this transcriptional signature remains unknown. Methods Through promoter analysis, we identified binding sites for transcription factor specificity protein 1 (SP1) as the most shared motif among hyperglycemia-responsive dynein genes. We demonstrated the essential role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–regulated SP1 in the transcription of dynein subunits and dynein-mediated trafficking in diabetic podocytopathy using chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR and live cell imaging. SP1-dependent dynein-driven pathogenesis of diabetic podocytopathy was demonstrated by pharmaceutical intervention with SP1 in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Results Hyperglycemic conditions enhance SP1 binding to dynein promoters, promoted dynein expression, and enhanced dynein-mediated mistrafficking in cultured podocytes. These changes can be rescued by chemical inhibition or genetic silencing of SP1. The direct repression of AMPK, an energy sensor, replicates hyperglycemia-induced dynein expression by activating SP1. Mithramycin inhibition of SP1-directed dynein expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice protected them from developing podocytopathy and prevented DN progression. Conclusions Our work implicates AMPK-SP1–regulated dynein expression as an early mechanism that translates energy disturbances in diabetes into podocyte dysfunction. Pharmaceutical restoration of dynein expression by targeting SP1 offers a new therapeutic strategy to prevent DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Williquett
- Division of Nephrology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Chantal Allamargot
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Hua Sun
- Division of Nephrology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang Q, Tang D, Gan C, Bai M, Song X, Jiang W, Li Q, Chen Y, Zhang A, Wang M. Novel variants in CRB2 targeting the malfunction of slit diaphragm related to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:149-165. [PMID: 37452832 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) that predominantly affects the podocytes. While mutations in genes causing pediatric SRNS have enhanced our understanding of FSGS, the disease's etiology remains complex and poorly understood. METHODS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a 9-year-old girl with SRNS associated with FSGS (SRNS-FSGS). We analyzed the expression of CRB2, slit diaphragm (SD)-associated proteins, and sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) in the proband and CRB2 knock-down podocytes. RESULTS In this study, we identified two novel compound heterozygous mutations in the Crumbs homolog 2 (CRB2) gene (c.2905delinsGCCACCTCGCGCTGGCTG, p.T969Afs*179 and c.3268C > G, p.R1090G) in a family with early-onset SRNS-FSGS. Our findings demonstrate that these CRB2 abnormalities were the underlying cause of SRNS-FSGS. CRB2 defects led to the dysfunction of podocyte SD-related proteins, including podocin, nephrin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), by reducing the phosphorylation level of S1PR1. Interestingly, the podocytic cytoskeleton remained unaffected, as demonstrated by normal expression and localization of synaptopodin. Our study also revealed a secondary decrease in CRB2 expression in idiopathic FSGS patients, indicating that CRB2 mutations may cause FSGS through a previously unknown mechanism involving SD-related proteins. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of SRNS-FSGS and revealed that the novel pathogenic mutations in CRB2 contribute to the development of FSGS through a previously unknown mechanism involving SD-related proteins. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Gan
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Bai
- Department of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaomei Song
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaxi Chen
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Batool L, Hariharan K, Xu Y, Kaßmann M, Tsvetkov D, Gohlke BO, Kaden S, Gossen M, Nürnberg B, Kurtz A, Gollasch M. An inactivating human TRPC6 channel mutation without focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:265. [PMID: 37615749 PMCID: PMC10449997 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04901-w] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential cation channel-6 (TRPC6) gene mutations cause familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which is inherited as an autosomal dominant disease. In patients with TRPC6-related FSGS, all mutations map to the N- or C-terminal TRPC6 protein domains. Thus far, the majority of TRPC6 mutations are missense resulting in increased or decreased calcium influx; however, the fundamental molecular mechanisms causing cell injury and kidney pathology are unclear. We report a novel heterozygous TRPC6 mutation (V691Kfs*) in a large kindred with no signs of FSGS despite a largely truncated TRPC6 protein. We studied the molecular effects of V691Kfs* TRPC6 mutant using the tridimensional cryo-EM structure of the tetrameric TRPC6 protein. The results indicated that V691 is localized at the pore-forming transmembrane region affecting the ion conduction pathway, and predicted that V691Kfs* causes closure of the ion-conducting pathway leading to channel inactivation. We assessed the impact of V691Kfs* and two previously reported TRPC6 disease mutants (P112Q and G757D) on calcium influx in cells. Our data show that the V691Kfs* fully inactivated the TRCP6 channel-specific calcium influx consistent with a complete loss-of-function phenotype. Furthermore, the V691Kfs* truncation exerted a dominant negative effect on the full-length TRPC6 proteins. In conclusion, the V691Kfs* non-functional truncated TRPC6 is not sufficient to cause FSGS. Our data corroborate recently characterized TRPC6 loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutants suggesting that one defective TRPC6 gene copy is not sufficient to cause FSGS. We underscore the importance of increased rather than reduced calcium influx through TRPC6 for podocyte cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilas Batool
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Krithika Hariharan
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yao Xu
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mario Kaßmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dmitry Tsvetkov
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Björn-Oliver Gohlke
- Department of Information Technology, Science-IT, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kaden
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Aktive Polymere, Hereon TeltowAbteilung Stammzellmodifikation und Biomaterialien, Teltow, Germany
| | - Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kurtz
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Biomedical Data and Bioethics, Fraunhofer-Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany.
- Klinik für Nephrologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ueda H, Tran QTH, Tran LNT, Higasa K, Ikeda Y, Kondo N, Hashiyada M, Sato C, Sato Y, Ashida A, Nishio S, Iwata Y, Iida H, Matsuoka D, Hidaka Y, Fukui K, Itami S, Kawashita N, Sugimoto K, Nozu K, Hattori M, Tsukaguchi H. Characterization of cytoskeletal and structural effects of INF2 variants causing glomerulopathy and neuropathy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12003. [PMID: 37491439 PMCID: PMC10368640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common glomerular injury leading to end-stage renal disease. Monogenic FSGS is primarily ascribed to decreased podocyte integrity. Variants between residues 184 and 245 of INF2, an actin assembly factor, produce the monogenic FSGS phenotype. Meanwhile, variants between residues 57 and 184 cause a dual-faceted disease involving peripheral neurons and podocytes (Charcot-Marie-Tooth CMT/FSGS). To understand the molecular basis for INF2 disorders, we compared structural and cytoskeletal effects of INF2 variants classified into two subgroups: One (G73D, V108D) causes the CMT/FSGS phenotype, and the other (T161N, N202S) produces monogenic FSGS. Molecular dynamics analysis revealed that all INF2 variants show distinct flexibility compared to the wild-type INF2 and could affect stability of an intramolecular interaction between their N- and C-terminal segments. Immunocytochemistry of cells expressing INF2 variants showed fewer actin stress fibers, and disorganization of cytoplasmic microtubule arrays. Notably, CMT/FSGS variants caused more prominent changes in mitochondrial distribution and fragmentation than FSGS variants and these changes correlated with the severity of cytoskeletal disruption. Our results indicate that CMT/FSGS variants are associated with more severe global cellular defects caused by disrupted cytoskeleton-organelle interactions than are FSGS variants. Further study is needed to clarify tissue-specific pathways and/or cellular functions implicated in FSGS and CMT phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ueda
- Division of Nephrology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan
| | - Quynh Thuy Huong Tran
- Division of Nephrology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan
| | - Linh Nguyen Truc Tran
- Division of Nephrology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan
| | - Koichiro Higasa
- Department of Genome Analysis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Kondo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Masaki Hashiyada
- Department of Legal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Chika Sato
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Sato
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akira Ashida
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Saori Nishio
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Iwata
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Iida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital, Toyama, Japan
- Toyama Transplantation Promotion Foundation, Toyama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsuoka
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hidaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Fukui
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Suzu Itami
- Major in Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Norihito Kawashita
- Department of Energy and Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Sugimoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Motoshi Hattori
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Tsukaguchi
- Division of Nephrology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park JH, Kwon HM, Nam DE, Kim HJ, Nam SH, Kim SB, Choi BO, Chung KW. INF2 mutations in patients with a broad phenotypic spectrum of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:108-118. [PMID: 36637069 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in INF2 are associated with the complex symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). To date, more than 100 and 30 genes have been reported to cause these disorders, respectively. This study aimed to identify INF2 mutations in Korean patients with CMT. This study was conducted with 743 Korean families with CMT who were negative for PMP22 duplication. In addition, a family with FSGS was included in this study. INF2 mutations were screened using whole exome sequencing (WES) and filtering processes. As the results, four pathogenic INF2 mutations were identified in families with different clinical phenotypes: p.L78P and p.L132P in families with symptoms of both CMT and FSGS; p.C104Y in a family with CMT; and p.R218Q in a family with FSGS. Moreover, different CMT types were observed in families with CMT symptoms: CMT1 in two families and Int-CMT in another family. Hearing loss was observed in two families with CMT1. Pathogenicity was predicted by in silico analyses, and considerable conformational changes were predicted in the mutant proteins. Two mutations (p.L78P and p.C104Y) were unreported, and three families showed de novo mutations that were putatively occurred from fathers. This study suggests that patients with INF2 mutations show a broad phenotypic spectrum: CMT1, CMT1 + FSGS, CMTDIE + FSGS, and FSGS. Therefore, the genotype-phenotype correlation may be more complex than previously recognized. We believe that this study expands the clinical spectrum of patients with INF2 mutations and will be helpful in the molecular diagnosis of CMT and FSGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Hye Mi Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Da Eun Nam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Nam
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Cell & Gene Theraphy Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Beom Kim
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Ok Choi
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Cell & Gene Theraphy Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.,Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki Wha Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sun H, Weidner J, Allamargot C, Piper RC, Misurac J, Nester C. Dynein-Mediated Trafficking: A New Mechanism of Diabetic Podocytopathy. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:162-176. [PMID: 36821608 PMCID: PMC10103215 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0006852022] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Key Points The expression of dynein is increased in human and rodent models of diabetic nephropathy (DN), eliciting a new dynein-driven pathogenesis. Uncontrolled dynein impairs the molecular sieve of kidney by remodeling the postendocytic triage and homeostasis of nephrin. The delineation of the dynein-driven pathogenesis promises a broad spectrum of new therapeutic targets for human DN. Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by increased endocytosis and degradation of nephrin, a protein that comprises the molecular sieve of the glomerular filtration barrier. While nephrin internalization has been found activated in diabetes-stressed podocytes, the postinternalization trafficking steps that lead to the eventual depletion of nephrin and the development of DN are unclear. Our work on an inherited podocytopathy uncovered that dysregulated dynein could compromise nephrin trafficking, leading us to test whether and how dynein mediates the pathogenesis of DN. Methods We analyzed the transcription of dynein components in public DN databases, using the Nephroseq platform. We verified altered dynein transcription in diabetic podocytopathy by quantitative PCR. Dynein-mediated trafficking and degradation of nephrin was investigated using an in vitro nephrin trafficking model and was demonstrated in a mouse model with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN and in human kidney biopsy sections. Results Our transcription analysis revealed increased expression of dynein in human DN and diabetic mouse kidney, correlated significantly with the severity of hyperglycemia and DN. In diabetic podocytopathy, we observed that dynein-mediated postendocytic sorting of nephrin was upregulated, resulting in accelerated nephrin degradation and disrupted nephrin recycling. In hyperglycemia-stressed podocytes, Dynll1 , one of the most upregulated dynein components, is required for the recruitment of dynein complex that mediates the postendocytic sorting of nephrin. This was corroborated by observing enhanced Dynll1-nephrin colocalization in podocytes of diabetic patients, as well as dynein-mediated trafficking and degradation of nephrin in STZ-induced diabetic mice with hyperglycemia. Knockdown of Dynll1 attenuated lysosomal degradation of nephrin and promoted its recycling, suggesting the essential role of Dynll1 in dynein-mediated mistrafficking. Conclusions Our studies show that hyperglycemia stimulates dynein-mediated trafficking of nephrin to lysosomes by inducing its expression. The decoding of dynein-driven pathogenesis of diabetic podocytopathy offers a spectrum of new dynein-related therapeutic targets for DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Sun
- Division of Nephrology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jillian Weidner
- Division of Nephrology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Chantal Allamargot
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert C. Piper
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jason Misurac
- Division of Nephrology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Carla Nester
- Division of Nephrology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Drummond IA. Slit Diaphragms: Junctions That Never Sleep. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:2127-2128. [PMID: 36332973 PMCID: PMC9731622 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2022101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iain A. Drummond
- Davis Center for Aging and Regenerative Biology, MDI Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brown BJ, Boekell KL, Stotter BR, Talbot BE, Schlondorff JS. Gain-of-function, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis Trpc6 mutation minimally affects susceptibility to renal injury in several mouse models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272313. [PMID: 35913909 PMCID: PMC9342776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in TRPC6 are a cause of autosomal dominant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in humans. Many of these mutations are known to have a gain-of-function effect on the non-specific cation channel function of TRPC6. In vitro studies have suggested these mutations affect several signaling pathways, but in vivo studies have largely compared wild-type and Trpc6-deficient rodents. We developed mice carrying a gain-of-function Trpc6 mutation encoding an E896K amino acid change, corresponding to a known FSGS mutation in TRPC6. Homozygous mutant Trpc6 animals have no appreciable renal pathology, and do not develop albuminuria until very advanced age. The Trpc6E896K mutation does not impart susceptibility to PAN nephrosis. The animals show a slight delay in recovery from the albumin overload model. In response to chronic angiotensin II infusion, Trpc6E896K/E896K mice have slightly greater albuminuria initially compared to wild-type animals, an effect that is lost at later time points, and a statistically non-significant trend toward more glomerular injury. This phenotype is nearly opposite to that of Trpc6-deficient animals previously described. The Trpc6 mutation does not appreciably impact renal interstitial fibrosis in response to either angiotensin II infusion, or folate-induced kidney injury. TRPC6 protein and TRPC6-agonist induced calcium influx could not be detected in glomeruli. In sum, these findings suggest that a gain-of-function Trpc6 mutation confers only a mild susceptibility to glomerular injury in the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittney J. Brown
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kimber L. Boekell
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian R. Stotter
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brianna E. Talbot
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Johannes S. Schlondorff
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao C, Tang J, Li X, Yan Z, Zhao L, Lang W, Yuan C, Zhou C. Beneficial effects of procyanidin B2 on adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome mice: the multi-action mechanism for ameliorating glomerular permselectivity injury. Food Funct 2022; 13:8436-8464. [PMID: 35861207 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03616e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable advances in prevention, diagnosis, and therapy, nephrotic syndrome (NS) remains a significant cause of high morbidity and mortality globally. As a result, there is an urgent need to identify novel effective preventative and therapeutic agents for NS. NS is implicated in glomerular permselectivity injury, which can be attributed to oxidative distress, inflammation, lipid nephrotoxicity, podocyte apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, and slit diaphragm (SLD) dysfunction. In addition to its well-documented antioxidant potency, procyanidin B2 (PB2) may exhibit pleiotropic effects by targeting various canonical signaling events, such as NF-κB, PPARs, PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and the caspase family. As a result, PB2 may be a promising therapeutic target against NS. To test this hypothesis, we established an Adriamycin (ADR)-induced NS mouse model to evaluate the pleiotropic renoprotective effects of PB2 on NS. Here, we demonstrated that PB2 improves podocyte injury via inhibition of NOX4/ROS and Hsp90/NF-κB to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency, respectively. We also show that PB2 indirectly activates the PI3K/Akt axis by regulating SLD protein levels, resulting in normalized podocyte apoptosis and autophagy function. Further, loss of albumin (ALB) induces lipid nephrotoxicity, which we found to be alleviated by PB2 via activation of PPARα/β-mediated lipid homeostasis and the cholesterol efflux axis. Interestingly, our results also suggested that PB2 reduces electrolyte abnormalities and edema. In addition, PB2 may contribute protective effects against trace element dys-homeostasis, which, through alleviating serum ALB loss, leads to a protective effect on glomerular permselectivity injury. Taken together, our results reveal that the identified mechanisms of PB2 on NS are multifactorial and involve inhibition of oxidative distress and inflammatory responses, as well as improvements in podocyte apoptosis and autophagy dysfunction, amelioration of lipid nephrotoxicity, and modulation of electrolyte abnormalities and edema. Thus, we provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of PB2 against NS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180 WuSi Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Jiamei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180 WuSi Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Xiaoya Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180 WuSi Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Zihan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180 WuSi Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Liangliang Zhao
- Department of Monitoring and Analysis, Baoding Environmental Monitoring Center of Hebei Province, 224 Dongfeng Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Wenbo Lang
- Department of Monitoring and Analysis, Baoding Environmental Monitoring Center of Hebei Province, 224 Dongfeng Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Chunmao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Chengyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180 WuSi Road, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hu J, Zhu Z, Chen Z, Yang Q, Liang W, Ding G. Alteration in Rab11-mediated endocytic trafficking of LDL receptor contributes to angiotensin II-induced cholesterol accumulation and injury in podocytes. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13229. [PMID: 35567428 PMCID: PMC9201372 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Exposure of podocytes to angiotensin II (Ang II) enhances the abundance of the cell surface glycoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and promotes significant changes in the cellular cholesterol content. Recent investigation provides evidence that the small GTPase Rab11 is involved in the regulation of LDLR, but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the role of Rab11 in post‐transcriptional regulation of LDLR was evaluated to investigate potential mechanisms of podocyte cholesterol dysregulation in chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods Cholesterol content, LDLR and Rab11 expression were assessed in podocytes from Ang II‐infused mice. In vitro, the intracellular localization of LDLR was detected under different conditions. Rab11 expression was modulated and we then explored the effect of anti‐lipid cytotoxicity by detecting LDLR expression and trafficking, cholesterol content and apoptosis in podocytes. Results Cholesterol accumulation, upregulated expression of LDLR and Rab11 were discovered in podocytes from Ang II‐infused mice. Ang II enhanced the co‐precipitation of LDLR with Rab11 and accelerated the endocytic recycling of LDLR to the plasma membrane. Additionally, silencing Rab11 promoted lysosomal degradation of LDLR and alleviated Ang II‐induced cholesterol accumulation and apoptosis in podocytes. Conversely, overexpression of Rab11 or inhibition of lysosomal degradation up‐regulated the abundance of LDLR and aggravated podocyte cholesterol deposition. Conclusions Rab11 triggers the endocytic trafficking and recycling of LDLR; overactivation of this pathway contributes to Ang II‐induced podocyte cholesterol accumulation and injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jijia Hu
- Division of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Nephrology and Urology Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zijing Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Nephrology and Urology Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhaowei Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Nephrology and Urology Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Division of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Nephrology and Urology Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Division of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Nephrology and Urology Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guohua Ding
- Division of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Nephrology and Urology Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
PTEN-induced kinase 1 deficiency alters albumin permeability and insulin signaling in podocytes. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:903-915. [PMID: 35534645 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of insulin signaling in diabetes are associated with podocyte injury, proteinuria, and renal failure. Insulin stimulates glucose transport to cells and regulates other intracellular processes that are linked to cellular bioenergetics, such as autophagy, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and mitochondrial homeostasis. The dysfunction of mitochondrial dynamics, including mitochondrial fusion, fission, and mitophagy, has been observed in high glucose-treated podocytes and renal cells from patients with diabetes. Previous studies showed that prolonged hyperglycemia is associated with the development of insulin resistance in podocytes, and high glucose-treated podocytes exhibit an increase in mitochondrial fission and decrease in markers of mitophagy. In the present study, we found that deficiency of the main mitophagy protein PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) significantly increased albumin permeability and hampered glucose uptake to podocytes. We suggest that PINK1 inhibition impairs the insulin signaling pathway, in which lower levels of phosphorylated Akt and membrane fractions of the insulin receptor and glucose transporter-4 were observed. Moreover, PINK1-depleted podocytes exhibited lower podocin and nephrin expression, thus identifying a potential mechanism whereby albumin leakage increases under hyperglycemic conditions when mitophagy is inhibited. In conclusion, we found that PINK1 plays an essential role in insulin signaling and the maintenance of proper permeability in podocytes. Therefore, PINK1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment or prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Tomita N, Hotta Y, Naiki-Ito A, Sanagawa A, Kataoka T, Furukawa-Hibi Y, Takahashi S, Kimura K. Protective effects of tadalafil on damaged podocytes in an adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome model. J Pharmacol Sci 2022; 149:53-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
15
|
Bondue T, Arcolino FO, Veys KRP, Adebayo OC, Levtchenko E, van den Heuvel LP, Elmonem MA. Urine-Derived Epithelial Cells as Models for Genetic Kidney Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061413. [PMID: 34204173 PMCID: PMC8230018 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells exfoliated in human urine can include cells anywhere from the urinary tract and kidneys; however, podocytes and proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) are by far the most relevant cell types for the study of genetic kidney diseases. When maintained in vitro, they have been proven extremely valuable for discovering disease mechanisms and for the development of new therapies. Furthermore, cultured patient cells can individually represent their human sources and their specific variants for personalized medicine studies, which are recently gaining much interest. In this review, we summarize the methodology for establishing human podocyte and PTEC cell lines from urine and highlight their importance as kidney disease cell models. We explore the well-established and recent techniques of cell isolation, quantification, immortalization and characterization, and we describe their current and future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tjessa Bondue
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.B.); (F.O.A.); (K.R.P.V.); (O.C.A.); (E.L.); (L.P.v.d.H.)
| | - Fanny O. Arcolino
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.B.); (F.O.A.); (K.R.P.V.); (O.C.A.); (E.L.); (L.P.v.d.H.)
| | - Koenraad R. P. Veys
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.B.); (F.O.A.); (K.R.P.V.); (O.C.A.); (E.L.); (L.P.v.d.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oyindamola C. Adebayo
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.B.); (F.O.A.); (K.R.P.V.); (O.C.A.); (E.L.); (L.P.v.d.H.)
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Levtchenko
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.B.); (F.O.A.); (K.R.P.V.); (O.C.A.); (E.L.); (L.P.v.d.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lambertus P. van den Heuvel
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.B.); (F.O.A.); (K.R.P.V.); (O.C.A.); (E.L.); (L.P.v.d.H.)
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mohamed A. Elmonem
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11628, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|