1
|
Haydak J, Azeloglu EU. Role of biophysics and mechanobiology in podocyte physiology. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:371-385. [PMID: 38443711 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00815-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Podocytes form the backbone of the glomerular filtration barrier and are exposed to various mechanical forces throughout the lifetime of an individual. The highly dynamic biomechanical environment of the glomerular capillaries greatly influences the cell biology of podocytes and their pathophysiology. Throughout the past two decades, a holistic picture of podocyte cell biology has emerged, highlighting mechanobiological signalling pathways, cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular adhesion as key determinants of biomechanical resilience in podocytes. This biomechanical resilience is essential for the physiological function of podocytes, including the formation and maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier. Podocytes integrate diverse biomechanical stimuli from their environment and adapt their biophysical properties accordingly. However, perturbations in biomechanical cues or the underlying podocyte mechanobiology can lead to glomerular dysfunction with severe clinical consequences, including proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. As our mechanistic understanding of podocyte mechanobiology and its role in the pathogenesis of glomerular disease increases, new targets for podocyte-specific therapeutics will emerge. Treating glomerular diseases by targeting podocyte mechanobiology might improve therapeutic precision and efficacy, with potential to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease on individuals and health-care systems alike.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Haydak
- Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evren U Azeloglu
- Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cheng F, Xu Q, Li Q, Cui Z, Li W, Zeng F. Adverse reactions after treatment with dasatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia: Characteristics, potential mechanisms, and clinical management strategies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1113462. [PMID: 36814818 PMCID: PMC9939513 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1113462] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dasatinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is recommended as first-line treatment for patients newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and second-line treatment for those who are resistant or intolerant to therapy with imatinib. Dasatinib is superior to imatinib in terms of clinical response; however, the potential pulmonary toxicities associated with dasatinib, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and pleural effusion, may limit its clinical use. Appropriate management of dasatinib-related severe events is important for improving the quality of life and prognosis of patients with CML. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the characteristics, potential mechanisms, and clinical management of adverse reactions occurring after treatment of CML with dasatinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiling Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Weiming Li, ; Fang Zeng,
| | - Fang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Weiming Li, ; Fang Zeng,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hou C, Gu Y, Yuan W, Zhang W, Xiu X, Lin J, Gao Y, Liu P, Chen X, Song L. Application of microfluidic chips in the simulation of the urinary system microenvironment. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100553. [PMID: 36747584 PMCID: PMC9898763 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, has a unique mechanical and fluid microenvironment, which is essential to the urinary system growth and development. Microfluidic models, based on micromachining and tissue engineering technology, can integrate pathophysiological characteristics, maintain cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and accurately simulate the vital characteristics of human tissue microenvironments. Additionally, these models facilitate improved visualization and integration and meet the requirements of the laminar flow environment of the urinary system. However, several challenges continue to impede the development of a tissue microenvironment with controllable conditions closely resemble physiological conditions. In this review, we describe the biochemical and physical microenvironment of the urinary system and explore the feasibility of microfluidic technology in simulating the urinary microenvironment and pathophysiological characteristics in vitro. Moreover, we summarize the current research progress on adapting microfluidic chips for constructing the urinary microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and suggest directions for future development and application of microfluidic technology in constructing the urinary microenvironment in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Hou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubo Gu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Wukai Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianjie Xiu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Peichuan Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Lujie Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China,Shanghai Eastern Institute of Urologic Reconstruction, Shanghai, China,Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang D, Sant S, Lawless C, Ferrell N. A kidney proximal tubule model to evaluate effects of basement membrane stiffening on renal tubular epithelial cells. Integr Biol (Camb) 2022; 14:171-183. [PMID: 36573280 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The kidney tubule consists of a single layer of epithelial cells supported by the tubular basement membrane (TBM), a thin layer of specialized extracellular matrix (ECM). The mechanical properties of the ECM are important for regulating a wide range of cell functions including proliferation, differentiation and cell survival. Increased ECM stiffness plays a role in promoting multiple pathological conditions including cancer, fibrosis and heart disease. How changes in TBM mechanics regulate tubular epithelial cell behavior is not fully understood. Here we introduce a cell culture system that utilizes in vivo-derived TBM to investigate cell-matrix interactions in kidney proximal tubule cells. Basement membrane mechanics was controlled using genipin, a biocompatibility crosslinker. Genipin modification resulted in a dose-dependent increase in matrix stiffness. Crosslinking had a marginal but statistically significant impact on the diffusive molecular transport properties of the TBM, likely due to a reduction in pore size. Both native and genipin-modified TBM substrates supported tubular epithelial cell growth. Cells were able to attach and proliferate to form confluent monolayers. Tubular epithelial cells polarized and assembled organized cell-cell junctions. Genipin modification had minimal impact on cell viability and proliferation. Genipin stiffened TBM increased gene expression of pro-fibrotic cytokines and altered gene expression for N-cadherin, a proximal tubular epithelial specific cell-cell junction marker. This work introduces a new cell culture model for cell-basement membrane mechanobiology studies that utilizes in vivo-derived basement membrane. We also demonstrate that TBM stiffening affects tubular epithelial cell function through altered gene expression of cell-specific differentiation markers and induced increased expression of pro-fibrotic growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Snehal Sant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Craig Lawless
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicholas Ferrell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lausecker F, Lennon R, Randles MJ. The kidney matrisome in health, aging, and disease. Kidney Int 2022; 102:1000-1012. [PMID: 35870643 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated extracellular matrix is the hallmark of fibrosis, and it has a profound impact on kidney function in disease. Furthermore, perturbation of matrix homeostasis is a feature of aging and is associated with declining kidney function. Understanding these dynamic processes, in the hope of developing therapies to combat matrix dysregulation, requires the integration of data acquired by both well-established and novel technologies. Owing to its complexity, the extracellular proteome, or matrisome, still holds many secrets and has great potential for the identification of clinical biomarkers and drug targets. The molecular resolution of matrix composition during aging and disease has been illuminated by cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based proteomics in recent years, but there remain key questions about the mechanisms that drive altered matrix composition. Basement membrane components are particularly important in the context of kidney function; and data from proteomic studies suggest that switches between basement membrane and interstitial matrix proteins are likely to contribute to organ dysfunction during aging and disease. Understanding the impact of such changes on physical properties of the matrix, and the subsequent cellular response to altered stiffness and viscoelasticity, is of critical importance. Likewise, the comparison of proteomic data sets from multiple organs is required to identify common matrix biomarkers and shared pathways for therapeutic intervention. Coupled with single-cell transcriptomics, there is the potential to identify the cellular origin of matrix changes, which could enable cell-targeted therapy. This review provides a contemporary perspective of the complex kidney matrisome and draws comparison to altered matrix in heart and liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Lausecker
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Division of Cell-Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel Lennon
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Division of Cell-Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael J Randles
- Chester Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Chester, Chester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He M, Feng L, Chen Y, Gao B, Du Y, Zhou L, Li F, Liu H. Polydatin attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear translocation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:927794. [PMID: 36277194 PMCID: PMC9585250 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.927794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway is mutually causal with the increase of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Polydatin (PD) has been proved to have anti-fibrosis effect in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but it is still a mystery whether PD participates in YAP-related mechano-transduction. Therefore, this study intends to solve the following two problems: 1) To construct an in vitro system of polyacrylamide hydrogels (PA gels) based on the true stiffness of kidneys in healthy and DKD rats, and observe the effect of PD on pathological matrix stiffness-induced YAP expression in renal fibroblasts; 2) Compared with verteporfin (VP), a pharmacological inhibitor of YAP, to explore whether the therapeutic effect of PD on DKD in vivo model is related to the regulation of YAP. In this study, the in vitro system of PA gels with 3 kPa, 12 kPa and 30 kPa stiffness was constructed and determined for the first time to simulate the kidney stiffness of healthy rats, rats with DKD for 8 weeks and 16 weeks, respectively. Compared with the PA gels with 3 kPa stiffness, the PA gels with 12 kPa and 30 kPa stiffness significantly increased the expression of YAP, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in renal fibroblasts, and the PA gels with 30 kPa stiffness were the highest. PD significantly inhibited the above-mentioned changes of fibroblasts induced by pathological matrix stiffness, suggesting that the inhibition of PD on fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation and ECM production was at least partially associated with regulating YAP-related mechano-transduction pathway. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of PD on YAP expression and nuclear translocation in kidneys of DKD rats is similar to that of VP, but PD is superior to VP in reducing urinary protein, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, as well as decreasing the expression of α-SMA and collagen I, ROS overproduction and renal fibrosis. Our results prove for the first time from the biomechanical point of view that PD is a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying the progression of renal fibrosis by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear translocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manlin He
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Lan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Yiwei Du
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Fei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbao Liu, ; Fei Li,
| | - Hongbao Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbao Liu, ; Fei Li,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang D, Gust M, Ferrell N. Kidney-on-a-Chip: Mechanical Stimulation and Sensor Integration. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6889. [PMID: 36146238 PMCID: PMC9503911 DOI: 10.3390/s22186889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioengineered in vitro models of the kidney offer unprecedented opportunities to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment. Kidney-on-a-chip technology reproduces 2D or 3D features which can replicate features of the tissue architecture, composition, and dynamic mechanical forces experienced by cells in vivo. Kidney cells are exposed to mechanical stimuli such as substrate stiffness, shear stress, compression, and stretch, which regulate multiple cellular functions. Incorporating mechanical stimuli in kidney-on-a-chip is critically important for recapitulating the physiological or pathological microenvironment. This review will explore approaches to applying mechanical stimuli to different cell types using kidney-on-a-chip models and how these systems are used to study kidney physiology, model disease, and screen for drug toxicity. We further discuss sensor integration into kidney-on-a-chip for monitoring cellular responses to mechanical or other pathological stimuli. We discuss the advantages, limitations, and challenges associated with incorporating mechanical stimuli in kidney-on-a-chip models for a variety of applications. Overall, this review aims to highlight the importance of mechanical stimuli and sensor integration in the design and implementation of kidney-on-a-chip devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Matthew Gust
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicholas Ferrell
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang S, Alisafaei F, Huang YY, Hong Y, Peng X, Qu C, Puapatanakul P, Jain S, Miner JH, Genin GM, Suleiman HY. An ex vivo culture model of kidney podocyte injury reveals mechanosensitive, synaptopodin-templating, sarcomere-like structures. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn6027. [PMID: 36044576 PMCID: PMC9432837 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn6027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney diseases are widespread and incurable. The biophysical mechanisms underlying them are unclear, in part because material systems for reconstituting the microenvironment of relevant kidney cells are limited. A critical question is how kidney podocytes (glomerular epithelial cells) regenerate foot processes of the filtration apparatus following injury. Recently identified sarcomere-like structures (SLSs) with periodically spaced myosin IIA and synaptopodin appear in injured podocytes in vivo. We hypothesized that SLSs template synaptopodin in the initial stages of recovery in response to microenvironmental stimuli and tested this hypothesis by developing an ex vivo culture system that allows control of the podocyte microenvironment. Results supported our hypothesis. SLSs in podocytes that migrated from isolated kidney glomeruli presented periodic synaptopodin-positive clusters that nucleated peripheral, foot process-like extensions. SLSs were mechanoresponsive to actomyosin inhibitors and substrate stiffness. Results suggest SLSs as mechanobiological mediators of podocyte recovery and as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumeng Jiang
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Farid Alisafaei
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yin-Yuan Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuan Hong
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xiangjun Peng
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chengqing Qu
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pongpratch Puapatanakul
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Miner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M. Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hani Y. Suleiman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dooling LJ, Saini K, Anlaş AA, Discher DE. Tissue mechanics coevolves with fibrillar matrisomes in healthy and fibrotic tissues. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:153-188. [PMID: 35764212 PMCID: PMC9990088 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar proteins are principal components of extracellular matrix (ECM) that confer mechanical properties to tissues. Fibrosis can result from wound repair in nearly every tissue in adults, and it associates with increased ECM density and crosslinking as well as increased tissue stiffness. Such fibrotic tissues are a major biomedical challenge, and an emerging view posits that the altered mechanical environment supports both synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts in a state of persistent activation. Here, we review the matrisome in several fibrotic diseases, as well as normal tissues, with a focus on physicochemical properties. Stiffness generally increases with the abundance of fibrillar collagens, the major constituent of ECM, with similar mathematical trends for fibrosis as well as adult tissues from soft brain to stiff bone and heart development. Changes in expression of other core matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins or proteoglycans contribute to tissue stiffening in fibrosis by organizing collagen, crosslinking ECM, and facilitating adhesion of myofibroblasts. Understanding how ECM composition and mechanics coevolve during fibrosis can lead to better models and help with antifibrotic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Dooling
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alişya A Anlaş
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ravaglia F, Melica ME, Angelotti ML, De Chiara L, Romagnani P, Lasagni L. The Pathology Lesion Patterns of Podocytopathies: How and why? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838272. [PMID: 35281116 PMCID: PMC8907833 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocytopathies are a group of proteinuric glomerular disorders driven by primary podocyte injury that are associated with a set of lesion patterns observed on kidney biopsy, i.e., minimal changes, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diffuse mesangial sclerosis and collapsing glomerulopathy. These unspecific lesion patterns have long been considered as independent disease entities. By contrast, recent evidence from genetics and experimental studies demonstrated that they represent signs of repeated injury and repair attempts. These ongoing processes depend on the type, length, and severity of podocyte injury, as well as on the ability of parietal epithelial cells to drive repair. In this review, we discuss the main pathology patterns of podocytopathies with a focus on the cellular and molecular response of podocytes and parietal epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Elena Melica
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Angelotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia De Chiara
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Lasagni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Batzdorf CS, Morr AS, Bertalan G, Sack I, Silva RV, Infante-Duarte C. Sexual Dimorphism in Extracellular Matrix Composition and Viscoelasticity of the Healthy and Inflamed Mouse Brain. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020230. [PMID: 35205095 PMCID: PMC8869215 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects women, gender differences in disease course and in brain softening have been reported. It has been shown that the molecular network found between the cells of the tissue, the extracellular matrix (ECM), influences tissue stiffness. However, it is still unclear if sex influences ECM composition. Therefore, here we investigated how brain ECM and stiffness differ between sexes in the healthy mouse, and in an MS mouse model. We applied multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography and gene expression analysis for associating in vivo brain stiffness with ECM protein content in the brain, such as collagen and laminin. We found that the cortex was softer in males than in females in both healthy and sick mice. Softening was associated with sex differences in expression levels of collagen and laminin. Our findings underscore the importance of considering sex when studying the constitution of brain tissue in health and disease, particularly when investigating the processes underlying gender differences in MS. Abstract Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has revealed sexual dimorphism in brain stiffness in healthy individuals and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In an animal model of MS, named experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we have previously shown that inflammation-induced brain softening was associated with alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, it remained unclear whether the brain ECM presents sex-specific properties that can be visualized by MRE. Therefore, here we aimed at quantifying sexual dimorphism in brain viscoelasticity in association with ECM changes in healthy and inflamed brains. Multifrequency MRE was applied to the midbrain of healthy and EAE mice of both sexes to quantitatively map regional stiffness. To define differences in brain ECM composition, the gene expression of the key basement membrane components laminin (Lama4, Lama5), collagen (Col4a1, Col1a1), and fibronectin (Fn1) were investigated by RT-qPCR. We showed that the healthy male cortex expressed less Lama4, Lama5, and Col4a1, but more Fn1 (all p < 0.05) than the healthy female cortex, which was associated with 9% softer properties (p = 0.044) in that region. At peak EAE cortical softening was similar in both sexes compared to healthy tissue, with an 8% difference remaining between males and females (p = 0.006). Cortical Lama4, Lama5 and Col4a1 expression increased 2 to 3-fold in EAE in both sexes while Fn1 decreased only in males (all p < 0.05). No significant sex differences in stiffness were detected in other brain regions. In conclusion, sexual dimorphism in the ECM composition of cortical tissue in the mouse brain is reflected by in vivo stiffness measured with MRE and should be considered in future studies by sex-specific reference values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Sophie Batzdorf
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.B.); (R.V.S.)
| | - Anna Sophie Morr
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.M.); (G.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Gergely Bertalan
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.M.); (G.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.M.); (G.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Rafaela Vieira Silva
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.B.); (R.V.S.)
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Infante-Duarte
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.B.); (R.V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tonti OR, Larson H, Lipp SN, Luetkemeyer CM, Makam M, Vargas D, Wilcox SM, Calve S. Tissue-specific parameters for the design of ECM-mimetic biomaterials. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:83-102. [PMID: 33878474 PMCID: PMC8434955 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of biomolecules that mechanically and biochemically directs cell behavior and is crucial for maintaining tissue function and health. The heterogeneous organization and composition of the ECM varies within and between tissue types, directing mechanics, aiding in cell-cell communication, and facilitating tissue assembly and reassembly during development, injury and disease. As technologies like 3D printing rapidly advance, researchers are better able to recapitulate in vivo tissue properties in vitro; however, tissue-specific variations in ECM composition and organization are not given enough consideration. This is in part due to a lack of information regarding how the ECM of many tissues varies in both homeostatic and diseased states. To address this gap, we describe the components and organization of the ECM, and provide examples for different tissues at various states of disease. While many aspects of ECM biology remain unknown, our goal is to highlight the complexity of various tissues and inspire engineers to incorporate unique components of the native ECM into in vitro platform design and fabrication. Ultimately, we anticipate that the use of biomaterials that incorporate key tissue-specific ECM will lead to in vitro models that better emulate human pathologies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterial development primarily emphasizes the engineering of new materials and therapies at the expense of identifying key parameters of the tissue that is being emulated. This can be partially attributed to the difficulty in defining the 3D composition, organization, and mechanics of the ECM within different tissues and how these material properties vary as a function of homeostasis and disease. In this review, we highlight a range of tissues throughout the body and describe how ECM content, cell diversity, and mechanical properties change in diseased tissues and influence cellular behavior. Accurately mimicking the tissue of interest in vitro by using ECM specific to the appropriate state of homeostasis or pathology in vivo will yield results more translatable to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Tonti
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Hannah Larson
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sarah N Lipp
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Callan M Luetkemeyer
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Megan Makam
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Diego Vargas
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sean M Wilcox
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sarah Calve
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 1111 Engineering Center, 427 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Butt L, Unnersjö-Jess D, Höhne M, Schermer B, Edwards A, Benzing T. A mathematical estimation of the physical forces driving podocyte detachment. Kidney Int 2021; 100:1054-1062. [PMID: 34332959 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Loss of podocytes, possibly through the detachment of viable cells, is a hallmark of progressive glomerular disease. Podocytes are exposed to considerable physical forces due to pressure and flow resulting in circumferential wall stress and tangential shear stress exerted on the podocyte cell body, which have been proposed to contribute to podocyte depletion. However, estimations of in vivo alterations of physical forces in glomerular disease have been hampered by a lack of quantitative functional and morphological data. Here, we used ultra-resolution data and computational analyses in a mouse model of human disease, hereditary late-onset focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, to calculate increased mechanical stress upon podocyte injury. Transversal shear stress on the lateral walls of the foot processes was prominently increased during the initial stages of podocyte detachment. Thus, our study highlights the importance of targeting glomerular hemodynamics to treat glomerular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linus Butt
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Unnersjö-Jess
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Höhne
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schermer
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; CECAD, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aurelie Edwards
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; CECAD, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Z, Yoon J, Wichaidit C, Jaykumar AB, Dbouk HA, Embry AE, Liu L, Henderson JM, Chang AN, Cobb MH, Miller RT. Control of Podocyte and Glomerular Capillary Wall Structure and Elasticity by WNK1 Kinase. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:618898. [PMID: 33604334 PMCID: PMC7884762 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.618898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeletal structure and its regulation are essential for maintenance of the differentiated state of specific types of cells and their adaptation to physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. Renal glomerular capillaries, composed of podocytes, endothelial cells, and the glomerular basement membrane, have distinct structural and biophysical properties and are the site of injury in many glomerular diseases. Calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressant drugs used for organ transplantation and auto-immune diseases, can protect podocytes and glomerular capillaries from injury by preserving podocyte cytoskeletal structure. These drugs cause complications including hypertension and hyperkalemia which are mediated by WNK (With No Lysine) kinases as well as vasculopathy with glomerulopathy. WNK kinases and their target kinases oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) and SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) have fundamental roles in angiogenesis and are activated by calcineurin inhibitors, but the actions of these agents on kidney vasculature, and glomerular capillaries are not fully understood. We investigated WNK1 expression in cultured podocytes and isolated mouse glomerular capillaries to determine if WNK1 contributes to calcineurin inhibitor-induced preservation of podocyte and glomerular structure. WNK1 and OSR1/SPAK are expressed in podocytes, and in a pattern similar to podocyte synaptopodin in glomerular capillaries. Calcineurin inhibitors increased active OSR1/SPAK in glomerular capillaries, the Young’s modulus (E) of glomeruli, and the F/G actin ratio, effects all blocked by WNK inhibition. In glomeruli, WNK inhibition caused reduced and irregular synaptopodin-staining, abnormal capillary and foot process structures, and increased deformability. In cultured podocytes, FK506 activated OSR1/SPAK, increased lamellipodia, accelerated cell migration, and promoted traction force. These actions of FK506 were reduced by depletion of WNK1. Collectively, these results demonstrate the importance of WNK1 in regulation of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton, biophysical properties of glomerular capillaries, and slit diaphragm structure, all of which are essential to normal kidney function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenan Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joonho Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Chonlarat Wichaidit
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Ankita B Jaykumar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Hashem A Dbouk
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Addie E Embry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joel M Henderson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Audrey N Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Richard Tyler Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Molecular Mechanisms of Renal Progenitor Regulation: How Many Pieces in the Puzzle? Cells 2021; 10:cells10010059. [PMID: 33401654 PMCID: PMC7823786 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010059] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidneys of mice, rats and humans possess progenitors that maintain daily homeostasis and take part in endogenous regenerative processes following injury, owing to their capacity to proliferate and differentiate. In the glomerular and tubular compartments of the nephron, consistent studies demonstrated that well-characterized, distinct populations of progenitor cells, localized in the parietal epithelium of Bowman capsule and scattered in the proximal and distal tubules, could generate segment-specific cells in physiological conditions and following tissue injury. However, defective or abnormal regenerative responses of these progenitors can contribute to pathologic conditions. The molecular characteristics of renal progenitors have been extensively studied, revealing that numerous classical and evolutionarily conserved pathways, such as Notch or Wnt/β-catenin, play a major role in cell regulation. Others, such as retinoic acid, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, TLR2 (Toll-like receptor 2) and leptin, are also important in this process. In this review, we summarize the plethora of molecular mechanisms directing renal progenitor responses during homeostasis and following kidney injury. Finally, we will explore how single-cell RNA sequencing could bring the characterization of renal progenitors to the next level, while knowing their molecular signature is gaining relevance in the clinic.
Collapse
|
16
|
The mechanobiology of kidney podocytes in health and disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1245-1253. [PMID: 32501496 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) substantially reduces quality of life and leads to premature death for thousands of people each year. Dialysis and kidney organ transplants remain prevalent therapeutic avenues but carry significant medical, economic and social burden. Podocytes are responsible for blood filtration selectivity in the kidney, where they extend a network of foot processes (FPs) from their cell bodies which surround endothelial cells and interdigitate with those on neighbouring podocytes to form narrow slit diaphragms (SDs). During aging, some podocytes are lost naturally but accelerated podocyte loss is a hallmark of CKD. Insights into the origin of degenerative podocyte loss will help answer important questions about kidney function and lead to substantial health benefits. Here, approaches that uncover insights into podocyte mechanobiology are reviewed, both those that interrogate the biophysical properties of podocytes and how the external physical environment affects podocyte behaviour, and also those that interrogate the biophysical effects that podocytes exert on their surroundings.
Collapse
|
17
|
Ning L, Suleiman HY, Miner JH. Synaptopodin Is Dispensable for Normal Podocyte Homeostasis but Is Protective in the Context of Acute Podocyte Injury. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:2815-2832. [PMID: 32938649 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020050572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptopodin (Synpo) is an actin-associated protein in podocytes and dendritic spines. Many functions in regulating the actin cytoskeleton via RhoA and other pathways have been ascribed to Synpo, yet no pathogenic mutations in the SYNPO gene have been discovered in patients. Naturally occurring Synpo isoforms are known (Synpo-short and -long), and a novel truncated version (Synpo-T) is upregulated in podocytes from Synpo mutant mice. Synpo-T maintains some Synpo functions, which may prevent a podocyte phenotype from emerging in unchallenged mutant mice. METHODS Novel mouse models were generated to further investigate the functions of Synpo. In one, CRISPR/Cas9 deleted most of the Synpo gene, preventing production of any detectable Synpo protein. Two other mutant strains made truncated versions of the protein. Adriamycin injections were used to challenge the mice, and Synpo functions were investigated in primary cultured podocytes. RESULTS Mice that could not make detectable Synpo (Synpo -/- ) did not develop any kidney abnormalities up to 12 months of age. However, Synpo -/- mice were more susceptible to Adriamycin nephropathy. In cultured primary podocytes from mutant mice, the absence of Synpo caused loss of stress fibers, increased the number and size of focal adhesions, and impaired cell migration. Furthermore, loss of Synpo led to decreased RhoA activity and increased Rac1 activation. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to previous findings, podocytes can function normally in vivo in the absence of any Synpo isoform. Synpo plays a protective role in the context of podocyte injury through its involvement in actin reorganization and focal adhesion dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ning
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hani Y Suleiman
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jeffrey H Miner
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ge X, Zhang T, Yu X, Muwonge AN, Anandakrishnan N, Wong NJ, Haydak JC, Reid JM, Fu J, Wong JS, Bhattacharya S, Cuttitta CM, Zhong F, Gordon RE, Salem F, Janssen W, Hone JC, Zhang A, Li H, He JC, Gusella GL, Campbell KN, Azeloglu EU. LIM-Nebulette Reinforces Podocyte Structural Integrity by Linking Actin and Vimentin Filaments. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:2372-2391. [PMID: 32737144 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019121261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintenance of the intricate interdigitating morphology of podocytes is crucial for glomerular filtration. One of the key aspects of specialized podocyte morphology is the segregation and organization of distinct cytoskeletal filaments into different subcellular components, for which the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS Cells from rats, mice, and humans were used to describe the cytoskeletal configuration underlying podocyte structure. Screening the time-dependent proteomic changes in the rat puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephropathy model correlated the actin-binding protein LIM-nebulette strongly with glomerular function. Single-cell RNA sequencing and immunogold labeling were used to determine Nebl expression specificity in podocytes. Automated high-content imaging, super-resolution microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), live-cell imaging of calcium, and measurement of motility and adhesion dynamics characterized the physiologic role of LIM-nebulette in podocytes. RESULTS Nebl knockout mice have increased susceptibility to adriamycin-induced nephropathy and display morphologic, cytoskeletal, and focal adhesion abnormalities with altered calcium dynamics, motility, and Rho GTPase activity. LIM-nebulette expression is decreased in diabetic nephropathy and FSGS patients at both the transcript and protein level. In mice, rats, and humans, LIM-nebulette expression is localized to primary, secondary, and tertiary processes of podocytes, where it colocalizes with focal adhesions as well as with vimentin fibers. LIM-nebulette shRNA knockdown in immortalized human podocytes leads to dysregulation of vimentin filament organization and reduced cellular elasticity as measured by AFM indentation. CONCLUSIONS LIM-nebulette is a multifunctional cytoskeletal protein that is critical in the maintenance of podocyte structural integrity through active reorganization of focal adhesions, the actin cytoskeleton, and intermediate filaments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Ge
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Tao Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Xiaoxia Yu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Alecia N Muwonge
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Nanditha Anandakrishnan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas J Wong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan C Haydak
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jordan M Reid
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jia Fu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jenny S Wong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Smiti Bhattacharya
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Christina M Cuttitta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Fang Zhong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ronald E Gordon
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Fadi Salem
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - William Janssen
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - James C Hone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - John C He
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - G Luca Gusella
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Kirk N Campbell
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Evren U Azeloglu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York .,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Piscitani L, Sirolli V, Di Liberato L, Morroni M, Bonomini M. Nephrotoxicity Associated with Novel Anticancer Agents (Aflibercept, Dasatinib, Nivolumab): Case Series and Nephrological Considerations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4878. [PMID: 32664269 PMCID: PMC7402330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients have an incidence of about 60% kidney disease development and are at elevated risk of acute renal damage. Kidney disease in these patients is frequently associated with nephrotoxicity from the ongoing oncological treatment. New anticancer therapeutic strategies, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, offer substantial benefits in the treatment of many neoplasms. However, their use is associated with significant nephrotoxicity, which qualitatively differs from that seen with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, while the underlying mechanisms are complex and still to be clearly defined. Nephrologists need to be knowledgeable about the array of such renal toxicities for effective collaboration with the oncologist in the prevention and management of kidney involvement. Renal adverse effects may range from asymptomatic proteinuria to renal failure, and their prompt identification and timely treatment is essential for optimal and safe care of the patient. In this article, after presenting clinical cases we discuss the differing renal toxicity of three novel anticancer agents (aflibercept, dasatinib, and nivolumab) and possible measures to counter it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Piscitani
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (V.S.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Vittorio Sirolli
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (V.S.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Liberato
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (V.S.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Manrico Morroni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine-Neuroscience and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Mario Bonomini
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (V.S.); (L.D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Reconsidering Garth Robinson: fluid flow and the glomerular filtration barrier. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2020; 29:273-279. [PMID: 32235269 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to present recent models of the filtration barrier that may suggest mechanism-based treatments for proteinuric renal disease. The vast majority of renal failure occurs in diseases of glomerular proteinuria. The physiology of the filtration barrier remains incompletely understood, preventing invention of mechanism-based therapies. Research is currently dominated by molecular biology approaches to the kidney instead of engineering-based filtration and transport models. RECENT FINDINGS Reexamination of two older paradigms (basement membrane and slit diaphragm) and critical analysis of newer models may provide mechanistic insight to guide further research. We expand on our theory of podocyte-basement membrane mechanical interactions and speculate on mechanisms of action of the leading treatment for proteinuria, angiotensin blockade. SUMMARY Treatment of proteinuria remains largely empiric and based on inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, with additional benefit from statins and vitamin D. Improved definition of transport phenomena in the capillary wall may suggest rational design of new interventions.
Collapse
|
21
|
Melica ME, La Regina G, Parri M, Peired AJ, Romagnani P, Lasagni L. Substrate Stiffness Modulates Renal Progenitor Cell Properties via a ROCK-Mediated Mechanotransduction Mechanism. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121561. [PMID: 31816967 PMCID: PMC6953094 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell (SC)-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (RM) approaches may provide alternative therapeutic strategies for the rising number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Embryonic SCs and inducible pluripotent SCs are the most frequently used cell types, but autologous patient-derived renal SCs, such as human CD133+CD24+ renal progenitor cells (RPCs), represent a preferable option. RPCs are of interest also for the RM approaches based on the pharmacological encouragement of in situ regeneration by endogenous SCs. An understanding of the biochemical and biophysical factors that influence RPC behavior is essential for improving their applicability. We investigated how the mechanical properties of the substrate modulate RPC behavior in vitro. We employed collagen I-coated hydrogels with variable stiffness to modulate the mechanical environment of RPCs and found that their morphology, proliferation, migration, and differentiation toward the podocyte lineage were highly dependent on mechanical stiffness. Indeed, a stiff matrix induced cell spreading and focal adhesion assembly trough a Rho kinase (ROCK)-mediated mechanism. Similarly, the proliferative and migratory capacity of RPCs increased as stiffness increased and ROCK inhibition, by either Y27632 or antisense LNA-GapmeRs, abolished these effects. The acquisition of podocyte markers was also modulated, in a narrow range, by the elastic modulus and involved ROCK activity. Our findings may aid in 1) the optimization of RPC culture conditions to favor cell expansion or to induce efficient differentiation with important implication for RPC bioprocessing, and in 2) understanding how alterations of the physical properties of the renal tissue associated with diseases could influenced the regenerative response of RPCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Melica
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Gilda La Regina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Parri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Anna Julie Peired
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
- Nephrology Unit and Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Lasagni
- Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), Viale Morgagni 50, 50136 Florence, Italy; (M.E.M.); (A.J.P.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2758165
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Calizo RC, Bhattacharya S, van Hasselt JGC, Wei C, Wong JS, Wiener RJ, Ge X, Wong NJ, Lee JJ, Cuttitta CM, Jayaraman G, Au VH, Janssen W, Liu T, Li H, Salem F, Jaimes EA, Murphy B, Campbell KN, Azeloglu EU. Disruption of podocyte cytoskeletal biomechanics by dasatinib leads to nephrotoxicity. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2061. [PMID: 31053734 PMCID: PMC6499885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09936-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrotoxicity is a critical adverse event that leads to discontinuation of kinase inhibitor (KI) treatment. Here we show, through meta-analyses of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, that dasatinib is associated with high risk for glomerular toxicity that is uncoupled from hypertension, suggesting a direct link between dasatinib and podocytes. We further investigate the cellular effects of dasatinib and other comparable KIs with varying risks of nephrotoxicity. Dasatinib treated podocytes show significant changes in focal adhesions, actin cytoskeleton, and morphology that are not observed with other KIs. We use phosphoproteomics and kinome profiling to identify the molecular mechanisms of dasatinib-induced injury to the actin cytoskeleton, and atomic force microscopy to quantify impairment to cellular biomechanics. Furthermore, chronic administration of dasatinib in mice causes reversible glomerular dysfunction, loss of stress fibers, and foot process effacement. We conclude that dasatinib induces nephrotoxicity through altered podocyte actin cytoskeleton, leading to injurious cellular biomechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhodora C Calizo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Smiti Bhattacharya
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - J G Coen van Hasselt
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Chengguo Wei
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jenny S Wong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Robert J Wiener
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Xuhua Ge
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Nicholas J Wong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jia-Jye Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Christina M Cuttitta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Gomathi Jayaraman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Vivienne H Au
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - William Janssen
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Fadi Salem
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Edgar A Jaimes
- Renal Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Barbara Murphy
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kirk N Campbell
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Evren U Azeloglu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA. .,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Siegerist F, Endlich K, Endlich N. Novel Microscopic Techniques for Podocyte Research. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:379. [PMID: 30050501 PMCID: PMC6050355 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Together with endothelial cells and the glomerular basement membrane, podocytes form the size-specific filtration barrier of the glomerulus with their interdigitating foot processes. Since glomerulopathies are associated with so-called foot process effacement-a severe change of well-formed foot processes into flat and broadened processes-visualization of the three-dimensional podocyte morphology is a crucial part for diagnosis of nephrotic diseases. However, interdigitating podocyte foot processes are too narrow to be resolved by classic light microscopy due to Ernst Abbe's law making electron microscopy necessary. Although three dimensional electron microscopy approaches like serial block face and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and electron tomography allow volumetric reconstruction of podocytes, these techniques are very time-consuming and too specialized for routine use or screening purposes. During the last few years, different super-resolution microscopic techniques were developed to overcome the optical resolution limit enabling new insights into podocyte morphology. Super-resolution microscopy approaches like three dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM), stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED) and localization microscopy [stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM)] reach resolutions down to 80-20 nm and can be used to image and further quantify podocyte foot process morphology. Furthermore, in vivo imaging of podocytes is essential to study the behavior of these cells in situ. Therefore, multiphoton laser microscopy was a breakthrough for in vivo studies of podocytes in transgenic animal models like rodents and zebrafish larvae because it allows imaging structures up to several hundred micrometer in depth within the tissue. Additionally, along with multiphoton microscopy, lightsheet microscopy is currently used to visualize larger tissue volumes and therefore image complete glomeruli in their native tissue context. Alongside plain visualization of cellular structures, atomic force microscopy has been used to study the change of mechanical properties of podocytes in diseased states which has been shown to be a culprit in podocyte maintenance. This review discusses recent advances in the field of microscopic imaging and demonstrates their currently used and other possible applications for podocyte research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicole Endlich
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|