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Tröndle K, Rizzo L, Pichler R, Zimmermann S, Lienkamp SS. Flow induces common and specific transcriptional changes in renal tubular epithelial cells involving the PI3K pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23329. [PMID: 38050412 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300834r] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Flow-induced shear stress affects renal epithelial cells in the nephron tubule with potential implications for differential functionalities of the individual segments. Disruptions of cellular mechanosensation or flow conditions are associated with the development and progression of various renal diseases. This study investigates the effects of flow on the transcriptome of various renal tubular epithelial cell types. We analyzed the transcriptome of induced renal epithelial cells (iREC) cultured under physiological flow (0.57 ± 0.05 dyn/cm2 ) or in static conditions for 72 h. RNA sequencing showed 861 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 503 up- and 358 downregulated under flow. DEGs were linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) components (e.g. Col1a1, Col4a3, Col4a4, Fn1, Smoc2), junctions (Gja1, Tubb5), channel activities (Abcc4, Aqp1), and transcription factors (Foxq1, Lgr6). Next, we performed a meta-analysis comparing our data with three published datasets that subjected epithelial cell lines from distinct segments to flow, including proximal tubule and collecting duct cells. We found that TGF-ß, p53, MAPK, and PI3K are common flow-regulated pathways. Tfrc expression and thus the capability of iron uptake is commonly upregulated under flow. Many DEGs were related to kidney diseases, such as fibrosis (e.g. Tgfb1-3 and Serpine1). To obtain further mechanistic insights we investigated the role of the PI3K pathway in flow sensing. Applying flow and inhibition of PI3K showed significantly altered expression of transcripts related to ECM remodeling, angiogenesis, and ion transport. This suggests that the PI3K pathway is a critical mediator in flow-dependent cellular processes and gene expression, potentially influencing renal development and tissue remodeling. Finally, we derived a cross-cell-line summary of common as well as segment-specific transcriptomic effects, thus providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying flow sensing in the nephron tubule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tröndle
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ludovica Rizzo
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Pichler
- Department of Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, Department of Microsystems Engineering, IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Soeren S Lienkamp
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Ateshian GA, Spack KA, Hone JC, Azeloglu EU, Gusella GL. Computational study of biomechanical drivers of renal cystogenesis. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:1113-1127. [PMID: 37024601 PMCID: PMC10524738 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Renal cystogenesis is the pathological hallmark of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, caused by PKD1 and PKD2 mutations. The formation of renal cysts is a common manifestation in ciliopathies, a group of syndromic disorders caused by mutation of proteins involved in the assembly and function of the primary cilium. Cystogenesis is caused by the derailment of the renal tubular architecture and tissue deformation that eventually leads to the impairment of kidney function. However, the biomechanical imbalance of cytoskeletal forces that are altered in cells with Pkd1 mutations has never been investigated, and its nature and extent remain unknown. In this computational study, we explored the feasibility of various biomechanical drivers of renal cystogenesis by examining several hypothetical mechanisms that may promote morphogenetic markers of cystogenesis. Our objective was to provide physics-based guidance for our formulation of hypotheses and our design of experimental studies investigating the role of biomechanical disequilibrium in cystogenesis. We employed the finite element method to explore the role of (1) wild-type versus mutant cell elastic modulus; (2) contractile stress magnitude in mutant cells; (3) localization and orientation of contractile stress in mutant cells; and (4) sequence of cell contraction and cell proliferation. Our objective was to identify the factors that produce the characteristic tubular cystic growth. Results showed that cystogenesis occurred only when mutant cells contracted along the apical-basal axis, followed or accompanied by cell proliferation, as long as mutant cells had comparable or lower elastic modulus than wild-type cells, with their contractile stresses being significantly greater than their modulus. Results of these simulations allow us to focus future in vitro and in vivo experimental studies on these factors, helping us formulate physics-based hypotheses for renal tubule cystogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Ateshian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Katherine A Spack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - James C Hone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evren U Azeloglu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Luca Gusella
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Wang Q, Zou B, Wei X, Lin H, Pang C, Wang L, Zhong J, Chen H, Gao X, Li M, Ong ACM, Yue Z, Sun L. Identification of renal cyst cells of type I Nephronophthisis by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1192935. [PMID: 37583898 PMCID: PMC10423821 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1192935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Nephronophthisis (NPH) is the most common genetic cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in childhood, and NPHP1 is the major pathogenic gene. Cyst formation at the corticomedullary junction is a pathological feature of NPH, but the mechanism underlying cystogenesis is not well understood. The isolation and identification of cystic cell subpopulation could help to identify their origins and provide vital clues to the mechanisms underlying cystogenesis in NPH. Methods: Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed to produce an atlas of NPHP1 renal cells. Kidney samples were collected from WT (Nphp1 +/+) mice and NPHP1 (Nphp1 del2-20/del2-20) model mice. Results: A comprehensive atlas of the renal cellular landscape in NPHP1 was generated, consisting of 14 basic renal cell types as well as a subpopulation of DCT cells that was overrepresented in NPHP1 kidneys compared to WT kidneys. GO analysis revealed significant downregulation of genes associated with tubular development and kidney morphogenesis in this subpopulation. Furthermore, the reconstruction of differentiation trajectories of individual cells within this subpopulation confirmed that a specific group of cells in NPHP1 mice become arrested at an early stage of differentiation and proliferate to form cysts. We demonstrate that Niban1 is a specific molecular marker of cystic cells in both mice and human NPHP1. Conclusion: In summary, we report a novel subpopulation of DCT cells, marked by Niban1, that are classified as cystic cells in the NPHP1 mice kidney. These results offer fresh insights into the cellular and molecular basis of cystogenesis in NPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baojuan Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoya Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongrong Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changmiao Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinglin Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huamu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefei Gao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Albert C. M. Ong
- Kidney Genetics Group, Academic Nephrology Unit, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Zhihui Yue
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangzhong Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Devlin L, Dhondurao Sudhindar P, Sayer JA. Renal ciliopathies: promising drug targets and prospects for clinical trials. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:325-346. [PMID: 37243567 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2218616] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Renal ciliopathies represent a collection of genetic disorders characterized by deficiencies in the biogenesis, maintenance, or functioning of the ciliary complex. These disorders, which encompass autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), and nephronophthisis (NPHP), typically result in cystic kidney disease, renal fibrosis, and a gradual deterioration of kidney function, culminating in kidney failure. AREAS COVERED Here we review the advances in basic science and clinical research into renal ciliopathies which have yielded promising small compounds and drug targets, within both preclinical studies and clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Tolvaptan is currently the sole approved treatment option available for ADPKD patients, while no approved treatment alternatives exist for ARPKD or NPHP patients. Clinical trials are presently underway to evaluate additional medications in ADPKD and ARPKD patients. Based on preclinical models, other potential therapeutic targets for ADPKD, ARPKD, and NPHP look promising. These include molecules targeting fluid transport, cellular metabolism, ciliary signaling and cell-cycle regulation. There is a real and urgent clinical need for translational research to bring novel treatments to clinical use for all forms of renal ciliopathies to reduce kidney disease progression and prevent kidney failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Devlin
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Praveen Dhondurao Sudhindar
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - John A Sayer
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Renal Services, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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5
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Panda DK, Bai X, Zhang Y, Stylianesis NA, Koromilas AE, Lipman ML, Karaplis AC. SCF-SKP2 E3 ubiquitin ligase links mTORC1/ER stress/ISR with YAP activation in murine renal cystogenesis. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:153943. [PMID: 36326820 PMCID: PMC9754004 DOI: 10.1172/jci153943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway nuclear effector Yes-associated protein (YAP) potentiates the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) arising from ciliopathies. The mechanisms underlying the increase in YAP expression and transcriptional activity in PKD remain obscure. We observed that in kidneys from mice with juvenile cystic kidney (jck) ciliopathy, the aberrant hyperactivity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), driven by ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT cascades, induced ER proteotoxic stress. To reduce this stress by reprogramming translation, the protein kinase R-like ER kinase-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (PERK/eIF2α) arm of the integrated stress response (ISR) was activated. PERK-mediated phosphorylation of eIF2α drove the selective translation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), potentiating YAP expression. In parallel, YAP underwent K63-linked polyubiquitination by SCF S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) E3 ubiquitin ligase, a Hippo-independent, nonproteolytic ubiquitination that enhances YAP nuclear trafficking and transcriptional activity in cancer cells. Defective ISR cellular adaptation to ER stress in eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient jck mice further augmented YAP-mediated transcriptional activity and renal cyst growth. Conversely, pharmacological tuning down of ER stress/ISR activity and SKP2 expression in jck mice by administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) or tolvaptan impeded these processes. Restoring ER homeostasis and/or interfering with the SKP2-YAP interaction represent potential therapeutic avenues for stemming the progression of renal cystogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu K. Panda
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital,,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital
| | - Xiuying Bai
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital
| | - Yan Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital
| | | | - Antonis E. Koromilas
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark L. Lipman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital
| | - Andrew C. Karaplis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital
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6
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Sun Y, Jin D, Zhang Z, Jin D, Xue J, Duan L, Zhang Y, Kang X, Lian F. The critical role of the Hippo signaling pathway in kidney diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:988175. [PMID: 36483738 PMCID: PMC9723352 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.988175] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is involved in cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis, and it plays a key role in regulating organ size, tissue regeneration, and tumor development. The Hippo signaling pathway also participates in the occurrence and development of various human diseases. Recently, many studies have shown that the Hippo pathway is closely related to renal diseases, including renal cancer, cystic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, and renal fibrosis, and it promotes the transformation of acute kidney disease to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present paper summarizes and analyzes the research status of the Hippo signaling pathway in different kidney diseases, and it also summarizes the expression of Hippo signaling pathway components in pathological tissues of kidney diseases. In addition, the present paper discusses the positive therapeutic significance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for treating kidney diseases. This article introduces new targets and ideas for drug development, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - De Jin
- Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Di Jin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - JiaoJiao Xue
- College of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - LiYun Duan
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - YuQing Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoMin Kang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - FengMei Lian
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
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7
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Ziegler WH, Lüdiger S, Hassan F, Georgiadis ME, Swolana K, Khera A, Mertens A, Franke D, Wohlgemuth K, Dahmer-Heath M, König J, Dafinger C, Liebau MC, Cetiner M, Bergmann C, Soetje B, Haffner D. Primary URECs: a source to better understand the pathology of renal tubular epithelia in pediatric hereditary cystic kidney diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:122. [PMID: 35264234 PMCID: PMC8905910 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02265-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In pediatric hereditary cystic kidney diseases, epithelial cell defects mostly result from rare, autosomal recessively inherited pathogenic variants in genes encoding proteins of the cilia-centrosome complex. Consequences of individual gene variants on epithelial function are often difficult to predict and can furthermore depend on the patient’s genetic background. Here, we studied urine-derived renal tubular epithelial cells (URECs) from genetically determined, pediatric cohorts of different hereditary cystic kidney diseases, comprising autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, nephronophthisis (NPH) and the Bardet Biedl syndrome (BBS). UREC characteristics and behavior in epithelial function-related 3D cell culture were compared in order to identify gene and variant-specific properties and to determine aspects of epithelial (cell) dysfunction. Results UREC preparations from patients (19) and healthy controls (39) were studied in a qualitative and quantitative manner using primary cells cultured for up-to 21 days. In patients with biallelic pathogenic variants in PKHD1 or NPHP genes, we were able to receive satisfactory amounts of URECs of reproducible quality. In BBS patients, UREC yield was lower and more dependent on the individual genotype. In contrast, in UREC preparations derived from healthy controls, no predictable and satisfactory outcome could be established. Considering cell proliferation, tubular origin and epithelial properties in 2D/3D culture conditions, we observed distinct and reproducible epithelial properties of URECs. In particular, the cells from patients carrying PKHD1 variants were characterized by a high incidence of defective morphogenesis of monolayered spheroids—a property proposed to be suitable for corrective intervention. Furthermore, we explored different ways to generate reference cell lines for both—patients and healthy controls—in order to eliminate restrictions in cell number and availability of primary URECs. Conclusions Ex vivo 3D cell culture of primary URECs represents a valuable, non-invasive source to evaluate epithelial cell function in kidney diseases and as such helps to elucidate the functional consequences of rare genetic disorders. In combination with genetically defined control cell lines to be generated in the future, the cultivation of primary URECs could become a relevant tool for testing personalized treatment of epithelial dysfunction in patients with hereditary cystic kidney disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02265-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang H Ziegler
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Sarah Lüdiger
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatima Hassan
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Margarita E Georgiadis
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Swolana
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amrit Khera
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Mertens
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Doris Franke
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai Wohlgemuth
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mareike Dahmer-Heath
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens König
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Dafinger
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Max C Liebau
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Metin Cetiner
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Bergmann
- Department of Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Medizinische Genetik Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Birga Soetje
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Jiang Z, Xia W, Dai G, Zhang B, Li Y, Chen X. MicroRNA miR-4709-3p targets Large Tumor Suppressor Kinase 2 (LATS2) and induces obstructive renal fibrosis through Hippo signaling. Bioengineered 2021; 12:12357-12371. [PMID: 34931960 PMCID: PMC8810092 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2002493] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstructive renal fibrosis is the consequence of abnormal extracellular matrix assembly, which eventually results in renal failure, acute, and end‑stage renal infection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a particular category of small RNAs, modulate the expression of genes post-transcriptionally and regulate biological activities, including fibrogenesis. The study probed to estimate the key functions of miR-4709-3p in obstructive renal fibrosis. This investigation used TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 in-vitro model, unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) mice model, and human Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) specimens to depict the abundance of the miR-4709-3p level using FISH and RT-qPCR. MiR-4709-3p mimics and inhibitors were utilized to evaluate the functions of miR-4709-3p in-vitro. Luciferase assay was exploited to verify miR-4709-3p and LATS2 3ʹUTR binding. Finally, to depict the functions of miR-4709-3p in-vivo, the UUO model was injected with miR-4709-3p inhibitors. Results exhibited the upregulation of miR-4709-3p in UUO-induced in-vivo model, TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2, and human RIF and DN samples. Moreover, it was determined that modulating miR-4709-3p regulated the level of fibrosis markers. Luciferase assay miR-4709-3p modulates renal fibrosis by targeting LATS2. Finally, it was found that miR-4709-3p regulates obstructive renal fibrosis through the Hippo signaling pathway. Overall, the study concludes that aberrant miR-4709-3p expression plays an essential function in the renal fibrosis progression, and miR-4709-3p overexpression could advance obstructive renal fibrosis via LATS2 targeting in Hippo signaling pathway. Therefore, miR-4709-3p inhibition may be a potential renal fibrosis therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexiang Jiang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Weiping Xia
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Guoyu Dai
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Urology Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha City, China
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9
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Gupta S, Ozimek-Kulik JE, Phillips JK. Nephronophthisis-Pathobiology and Molecular Pathogenesis of a Rare Kidney Genetic Disease. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111762. [PMID: 34828368 PMCID: PMC8623546 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The exponential rise in our understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of genetic cystic kidney diseases can be attributed to the identification of cystogenic genes over the last three decades. The foundation of this was laid by positional cloning strategies which gradually shifted towards next-generation sequencing (NGS) based screenings. This shift has enabled the discovery of novel cystogenic genes at an accelerated pace unlike ever before and, most notably, the past decade has seen the largest increase in identification of the genes which cause nephronophthisis (NPHP). NPHP is a monogenic autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease caused by mutations in a diverse clade of over 26 identified genes and is the most common genetic cause of renal failure in children. NPHP gene types present with some common pathophysiological features alongside a diverse range of extra-renal phenotypes associated with specific syndromic presentations. This review provides a timely update on our knowledge of this disease, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, anatomical and molecular features. We delve into the diversity of the NPHP causing genes and discuss known molecular mechanisms and biochemical pathways that may have possible points of intersection with polycystic kidney disease (the most studied renal cystic pathology). We delineate the pathologies arising from extra-renal complications and co-morbidities and their impact on quality of life. Finally, we discuss the current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for disease management, outlining possible avenues of research to improve the prognosis for NPHP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabarni Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (J.E.O.-K.); (J.K.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Justyna E. Ozimek-Kulik
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (J.E.O.-K.); (J.K.P.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Kathleen Phillips
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (J.E.O.-K.); (J.K.P.)
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10
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Stokman MF, Saunier S, Benmerah A. Renal Ciliopathies: Sorting Out Therapeutic Approaches for Nephronophthisis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653138. [PMID: 34055783 PMCID: PMC8155538 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive ciliopathy and a major cause of end-stage renal disease in children. The main forms, juvenile and adult NPH, are characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis whereas the infantile form is more severe and characterized by cysts. NPH is caused by mutations in over 20 different genes, most of which encode components of the primary cilium, an organelle in which important cellular signaling pathways converge. Ciliary signal transduction plays a critical role in kidney development and tissue homeostasis, and disruption of ciliary signaling has been associated with cyst formation, epithelial cell dedifferentiation and kidney function decline. Drugs have been identified that target specific signaling pathways (for example cAMP/PKA, Hedgehog, and mTOR pathways) and rescue NPH phenotypes in in vitro and/or in vivo models. Despite identification of numerous candidate drugs in rodent models, there has been a lack of clinical trials and there is currently no therapy that halts disease progression in NPH patients. This review covers the most important findings of therapeutic approaches in NPH model systems to date, including hypothesis-driven therapies and untargeted drug screens, approached from the pathophysiology of NPH. Importantly, most animal models used in these studies represent the cystic infantile form of NPH, which is less prevalent than the juvenile form. It appears therefore important to develop new models relevant for juvenile/adult NPH. Alternative non-orthologous animal models and developments in patient-based in vitro model systems are discussed, as well as future directions in personalized therapy for NPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn F Stokman
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Saunier
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Benmerah
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
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Fabretti F, Tschernoster N, Erger F, Hedergott A, Buescher AK, Dafinger C, Reusch B, Köntges VK, Kohl S, Bartram MP, Weber LT, Thiele H, Altmueller J, Schermer B, Beck BB, Habbig S. Expanding the Spectrum of FAT1 Nephropathies by Novel Mutations That Affect Hippo Signaling. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:1368-1378. [PMID: 34013115 PMCID: PMC8116753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disease-causing mutations in the protocadherin FAT1 have been recently described both in patients with a glomerulotubular nephropathy and in patients with a syndromic nephropathy. Methods We identified 4 patients with FAT1-associated disease, performed clinical and genetic characterization, and compared our findings to the previously published patients. Patient-derived primary urinary epithelial cells were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunoblotting to identify possible alterations in Hippo signaling. Results Here we expand the spectrum of FAT1-associated disease with the identification of novel FAT1 mutations in 4 patients from 3 families (homozygous truncating variants in 3, compound heterozygous missense variants in 1 patient). All patients show an ophthalmologic phenotype together with heterogeneous renal phenotypes ranging from normal renal function to early-onset end-stage kidney failure. Molecular analysis of primary urine-derived urinary renal epithelial cells revealed alterations in the Hippo signaling cascade with a decreased phosphorylation of both the core kinase MST and the downstream effector YAP. Consistently, we found a transcriptional upregulation of bona fide YAP target genes. Conclusion A comprehensive review of the here identified patients and those previously published indicates a highly diverse phenotype in patients with missense mutations but a more uniform and better recognizable phenotype in the patients with truncating mutations. Altered Hippo signaling and de-repressed YAP activity might be novel contributing factors to the pathomechanism in FAT1-associated renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fabretti
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nikolai Tschernoster
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Erger
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andrea Hedergott
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja K Buescher
- Children's Hospital, Pediatrics II, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Claudia Dafinger
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bjoern Reusch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vincent K Köntges
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Kohl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Malte P Bartram
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lutz Thorsten Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janine Altmueller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schermer
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bodo B Beck
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Habbig
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Shen AW, Fu LL, Lin L, Sun B, Song DX, Wang WT, Wang YH, Yin PR, Yu SQ. SNX9 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Cyst Development in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease via Activation of the Hippo-YAP Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:811. [PMID: 32974348 PMCID: PMC7472854 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a complex process, involving the alteration of multiple genes and signaling pathways, and the pathogenesis of ADPKD remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated the suppressive role of sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) during ADPKD development. Sorting nexin 9 expression was detected in the kidney tissues of ADPKD patients, for the first time, and SNX9 expression was also detected in Pkd1 knockout (Pkd1–/–) and control mice. Subsequently, a series of gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed, to explore the biological roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of SNX9 in ADPKD progression. The expression of SNX9 was significantly downregulated in ADPKD patients and Pkd1–/– mice compared with control individuals and wild-type mice (Pkd1+/+), respectively. The ectopic expression of SNX9 significantly inhibited ADPKD cell proliferation, renal cyst formation and enlargement, whereas these effects were promoted by SNX9 silencing. Mechanistically, we found that SNX9 interacted directly with yes-associated protein (YAP) and increased the large tumor suppressor kinase 1-mediated phosphorylation of YAP, resulting in the cytoplasmic retention of YAP, the decreased transcriptional activity of the YAP/TEA domain transcription factor 4 complex, and, consequently, the inhibition of Hippo target gene expression and ADPKD development. Taken together, our findings provided novel insights into the role played by SNX9 during ADPKD pathogenesis and may reveal novel therapeutic approaches for ADPKD and related kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Wen Shen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Fu
- Department of Nephrology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The 5th Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University1, Zhuhai, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Xu Song
- Department of Nephrology, Second People's Hospital of Fuyang City, Fuyang, China
| | - Wu-Tao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Hao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Ran Yin
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Qiang Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Abstract
The WW domain is a modular protein structure that recognizes the proline-rich Pro-Pro-x-Tyr (PPxY) motif contained in specific target proteins. The compact modular nature of the WW domain makes it ideal for mediating interactions between proteins in complex networks and signaling pathways of the cell (e.g. the Hippo pathway). As a result, WW domains play key roles in a plethora of both normal and disease processes. Intriguingly, RNA and DNA viruses have evolved strategies to hijack cellular WW domain-containing proteins and thereby exploit the modular functions of these host proteins for various steps of the virus life cycle, including entry, replication, and egress. In this review, we summarize key findings in this rapidly expanding field, in which new virus-host interactions continue to be identified. Further unraveling of the molecular aspects of these crucial virus-host interactions will continue to enhance our fundamental understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of these viruses. We anticipate that additional insights into these interactions will help support strategies to develop a new class of small-molecule inhibitors of viral PPxY-host WW-domain interactions that could be used as antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Shepley-McTaggart
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Hao Fan
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671.,Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077.,Center for Computational Biology, DUKE-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857
| | - Marius Sudol
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077.,Laboratory of Cancer Signaling and Domainopathies, Yong Loo Li School of Medicine, Block MD9, 2 Medical Drive #04-01, Singapore 117597.,Mechanobiology Institute, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411.,Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Ronald N Harty
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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