OPN deficiency results in severe glomerulosclerosis in uninephrectomized mice

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (12) ◽  
pp. F1458-F1470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Schordan ◽  
Olaf Grisk ◽  
Eric Schordan ◽  
Bärbel Miehe ◽  
Elisabeth Rumpel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Mechanical Load ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Salt Treatment ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Filtration Barrier ◽  
Renal Ablation ◽  
Normal Urine

Osteopontin (OPN) expression has been reported to be elevated in experimental models of renal injury such as arterial hypertension or diabetic nephropathy finally leading to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is characterized by glomerular matrix deposition and loss or damage of podocytes that represent the main constituents of the glomerular filtration barrier. To evaluate the role of OPN in the kidney we investigated WT and OPN knockout mice (OPN−/−) without treatment, after uninephrectomy (UNX), as well as after UNX and desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt treatment with respect to urine parameters, glomerular morphology, and expression of podocyte markers. OPN−/− mice showed normal urine parameters while a thickening of the glomerular basement membrane was evident. Intriguingly, following UNX, OPN−/− mice exhibited prominent FSGS, proteinuria, and glomerular matrix deposition. Electron microscopy revealed bulgings of the glomerular basement membrane and occasionally an effacement of podocytes. After UNX and DOCA-salt treatment, severe glomerular lesions as well as proteinuria and albuminuria were seen in WT and OPN−/− mice. Moreover, we found a reduction of specific markers such as Wilm's tumor-1, podocin, and synaptopodin in both experimental groups indicating a loss of podocytes. Podocyte damage was accompanied by increased number of Ki-67-positive cells in the parietal epithelium of Bowman's capsule. We conclude that OPN plays a crucial role in adaptation of podocytes following renal ablation and is renoprotective when glomerular mechanical load is increased.

scholarly journals Glomerular permeability is not affected by heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan deficiency in zebrafish embryos

2019 ◽  
Vol 317 (5) ◽  
pp. F1211-F1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramzi Khalil ◽  
Reshma A. Lalai ◽  
Malgorzata I. Wiweger ◽  
Cristina M. Avramut ◽  
Abraham J. Koster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Tubular Reabsorption ◽  
Glomerular Filtration Barrier ◽  
Glomerular Permeability ◽  
Tracer Injection ◽  
Filtration Barrier

Proteinuria develops when specific components in the glomerular filtration barrier have impaired function. Although the precise components involved in maintaining this barrier have not been fully identified, heparan sulfate proteoglycans are believed to play an essential role in maintaining glomerular filtration. Although in situ studies have shown that a loss of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans increases the permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier, recent studies using experimental models have shown that podocyte-specific deletion of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan assembly does not lead to proteinuria. However, tubular reabsorption of leaked proteins might have masked an increase in glomerular permeability in these models. Furthermore, not only podocytes but also glomerular endothelial cells are involved in heparan sulfate synthesis in the glomerular filtration barrier. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a global heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan deficiency on glomerular permeability. We used a zebrafish embryo model carrying a homozygous germline mutation in the ext2 gene. Glomerular permeability was assessed with a quantitative dextran tracer injection method. In this model, we accounted for tubular reabsorption. Loss of anionic sites in the glomerular basement membrane was measured using polyethyleneimine staining. Although mutant animals had significantly fewer negatively charged areas in the glomerular basement membrane, glomerular permeability was unaffected. Moreover, heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan-deficient embryos had morphologically intact podocyte foot processes. Glomerular filtration remains fully functional despite a global reduction of heparan sulfate.

scholarly journals Tensin2 is important for podocyte-glomerular basement membrane interaction and integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (6) ◽  
pp. F1520-F1530
Author(s):  
Kozue Uchio-Yamada ◽  
Keiko Yasuda ◽  
Yoko Monobe ◽  
Ken-ichi Akagi ◽  
Osamu Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Glomerular Filtration Barrier ◽  
Filtration Barrier ◽  
Gbm Thickening ◽  
Strain Dependent ◽  
Deficient Mice

Tensin2 (Tns2), an integrin-linked protein, is enriched in podocytes within the glomerulus. Previous studies have revealed that Tns2-deficient mice exhibit defects of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) soon after birth in a strain-dependent manner. However, the mechanisms for the onset of defects caused by Tns2 deficiency remains unidentified. Here, we aimed to determine the role of Tns2 using newborn Tns2-deficient mice and murine primary podocytes. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that developing glomeruli during postnatal nephrogenesis exhibited abnormal GBM processing due to ectopic laminin-α2 accumulation followed by GBM thickening. In addition, analysis of primary podocytes revealed that Tns2 deficiency led to impaired podocyte-GBM interaction and massive expression of laminin-α2 in podocytes. Our study suggests that weakened podocyte-GBM interaction due to Tns2 deficiency causes increased mechanical stress on podocytes by continuous daily filtration after birth, resulting in stressed podocytes ectopically producing laminin-α2, which interrupts GBM processing. We conclude that Tns2 plays important roles in the podocyte-GBM interaction and maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier.

Glomerular Endothelium and its Impact on Glomerular Filtration Barrier in Diabetes: Are the Gaps Still Illusive?

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (13) ◽  
pp. 1525-1529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Fomusi Ndisang
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Kidney Dysfunction ◽  
Glomerular Filtration Barrier ◽  
Filtration Barrier ◽  
Glomerular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Fenestrated Endothelium

Background: Glomerular capillaries are lined with highly specialized fenestrated endothelium which are primarily responsible to regulate high flux filtration of fluid and small solutes. During filtration, plasma passes through the fenestrated endothelium and basement membrane before it reaches the slit diaphragm, a specialized type of intercellular junction that connects neighbouring podocytes. Methods: A PubMed search was done for recent articles on components of the glomerular filtration barrier such as glomerular endothelial cells, podocytes and glomerular basement membrane, and the effect of diabetes on these structures. Results and Conclusion: Generally, the onset of kidney dysfunction in many diabetic patients is characterized by albuminuria/proteinuria, a pathophysiological event triggered by several factors including; (i) endothelial activation and shading of glycocalyx, (ii) loss of endothelial cell function, (ii) re-uptake of albumin by podocyte through a scavenger receptors and (iv) rearrangement of podocyte cytoskeleton. Howeover, as podocyte effacement does not always lead to proteinuria, the dynamic interplay between all constituents of the glomerular filtration barrier including podocytes, endothelial cells and the basement membrane may be fundamental for the effective filtration in healthy individuals. Thus, a putative cross-talk amongst podocytes, endothelial cells and the basement membrane in the homeostasis of glomerular function is envisaged. Although, the exact nature of this cross-talk remains to be clearly elucidated, it is possible that the interaction between: (i) glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes, (ii) glomerular endothelial cells and glomerular basement membrane, (iii) podocytes and glomerular basement membrane, and (iv) the simultaneous interaction amongst the three components collectively underpin effective filtration in healthy individuals. A comprehensive understanding of these different interactions still remains elusive. The elucidation of these multifaceted interactions will set the stage for greater understanding of the pathophysiology of kidney dysfunction.

scholarly journals Anti-Aging β-Klotho Gene-Activated Scaffold Promotes Rejuvenative Wound Healing Response in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 1168
Author(s):  
Ashang L. Laiva ◽  
Fergal J. O’Brien ◽  
Michael B. Keogh
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Collagen Iv ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
Adipose Derived Stem Cells ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Klotho Gene ◽  
Cell Based Therapy

Wound healing requires a tight orchestration of complex cellular events. Disruption in the cell-signaling events can severely impair healing. The application of biomaterial scaffolds has shown healing potential; however, the potential is insufficient for optimal wound maturation. This study explored the functional impact of a collagen-chondroitin sulfate scaffold functionalized with nanoparticles carrying an anti-aging gene β-Klotho on human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for rejuvenative healing applications. We studied the response in the ADSCs in three phases: (1) transcriptional activities of pluripotency factors (Oct-4, Nanog and Sox-2), proliferation marker (Ki-67), wound healing regulators (TGF-β3 and TGF-β1); (2) paracrine bioactivity of the secretome generated by the ADSCs; and (3) regeneration of basement membrane (fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV proteins) and expression of scar-associated proteins (α-SMA and elastin proteins) towards maturation. Overall, we found that the β-Klotho gene-activated scaffold offers controlled activation of ADSCs’ regenerative abilities. On day 3, the ADSCs on the gene-activated scaffold showed enhanced (2.5-fold) activation of transcription factor Oct-4 that was regulated transiently. This response was accompanied by a 3.6-fold increase in the expression of the anti-fibrotic gene TGF-β3. Through paracrine signaling, the ADSCs-laden gene-activated scaffold also controlled human endothelial angiogenesis and pro-fibrotic response in dermal fibroblasts. Towards maturation, the ADSCs-laden gene-activated scaffold further showed an enhanced regeneration of the basement membrane through increases in laminin (2.1-fold) and collagen IV (8.8-fold) deposition. The ADSCs also expressed 2-fold lower amounts of the scar-associated α-SMA protein with improved qualitative elastin matrix deposition. Collectively, we determined that the β-Klotho gene-activated scaffold possesses tremendous potential for wound healing and could advance stem cell-based therapy for rejuvenative healing applications.

The molecular basis of glomerular basement membrane disorders

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Lennon ◽  
Neil Turner
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Heparan Sulphate ◽  
Collagen Iv ◽  
Basement Membranes ◽  
Glomerular Disease ◽  
The Body ◽  
Monogenic Disorders ◽  
Filtration Barrier

The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a condensed network of extracellular matrix molecules which provides a scaffold and niche to support the function of the overlying glomerular cells. Within the glomerulus, the GBM separates the fenestrated endothelial cells, which line capillary walls from the epithelial cells or podocytes, which cover the outer aspect of the capillaries. In common with basement membranes throughout the body, the GBM contains core components including collagen IV, laminins, nidogens, and heparan sulphate proteoglycans. However, specific isoforms of these proteins are required to maintain the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier.Across the spectrum of glomerular disease there is alteration in glomerular extracellular matrix (ECM) and a number of histological patterns are recognized. The GBM can be thickened, expanded, split, and irregular; the mesangial matrix may be expanded and glomerulosclerosis represents a widespread accumulation of ECM proteins associated with loss of glomerular function. Whilst histological patterns may follow a sequence or provide diagnostic clues, there remains limited understanding about the mechanisms of ECM regulation and how this tight control is lost in glomerular disease. Monogenic disorders of the GBM including Alport and Pierson syndromes have highlighted the importance of both collagen IV and laminin isoforms and these observations provide important insights into mechanisms of glomerular disease.

Renin-angiotensin system within the diabetic podocyte

2015 ◽  
Vol 308 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Márquez ◽  
Marta Riera ◽  
Julio Pascual ◽  
María José Soler
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Diabetic Kidney Disease ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Diabetic Kidney ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Filtration Barrier

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Podocytes are differentiated cells necessary for the development and maintenance of the glomerular basement membrane and the capillary tufts, as well as the function of the glomerular filtration barrier. The epithelial glomerular cells express a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that varies in different pathological situations such as hyperglycemia or mechanical stress. RAS components have been shown to be altered in diabetic podocytopathy, and their modulation may modify diabetic nephropathy progression. Podocytes are a direct target for angiotensin II-mediated injury by altered expression and distribution of podocyte proteins. Furthermore, angiotensin II promotes podocyte injury indirectly by inducing cellular hypertrophy, increased apoptosis, and changes in the anionic charge of the glomerular basement membrane, among other effects. RAS blockade has been shown to decrease the level of proteinuria and delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. This review summarizes the local intraglomerular RAS and its imbalance in diabetic podocytopathy. A better understanding of the intrapodocyte RAS might provide a new approach for diabetic kidney disease treatment.

scholarly journals NPHS2 gene polymorphism aggravates renal damage caused by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with COL4A3 mutation

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Sun ◽  
Xinzhou Zhang ◽  
Zhen Wang
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Gene Polymorphism ◽  
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Renal Damage ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Filtration Barrier ◽  
Segmental Glomerulosclerosis ◽  
Nphs2 Gene

Abstract Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of primary glomerular disease, is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Several studies have revealed that certain single-gene mutations are involved in the pathogenesis of FSGS; however, the main cause of FSGS has not been fully elucidated. Homozygous mutations in the glomerular basement membrane gene can lead to early renal failure, while heterozygous carriers develop renal failure symptoms late. Here, molecular genetic analysis of clinical information collected from clinical reports and medical records was performed. Results revealed that nephrosis 2 (NPHS2) gene polymorphism aggravated renal damage in three FSGS families with heterozygous COL4A3 mutation, leading to early renal failure in index patients. Our findings suggest that COL4A3 and NPHS2 may have a synergistic effect on renal injury caused by FSGS. Further analysis of the glomerular filtration barrier could help assess the cause of kidney damage. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the glomerular basement membrane-related genes and podocyte structural proteins may help us better understand FSGS pathogenesis and provide insights into the prognosis and treatment of hereditary glomerulonephropathy.

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