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Lindfors S, Schmotz C, Lewandowski D, Hau A, Saikko L, Lehtonen E, Majaniemi V, Karhe M, Naams JB, Nisen H, Tienari J, Saleem MA, Pfeil K, Bugger H, Pietiläinen KH, Mirtti T, Palczewski K, Lehtonen S. Integrin Trafficking, Fibronectin Architecture, and Glomerular Injury upon Adiponectin Receptor 1 Depletion. J Am Soc Nephrol 2025; 36:825-844. [PMID: 39874092 PMCID: PMC12059104 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Key Points Glomerular expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) was lower in people with type 2 diabetes and correlates with podocyte loss. AdipoR1 knockout induced glomerular injury and fibrosis in mice, predominantly in males. AdipoR1 knockdown podocytes showed impaired trafficking of active integrin β 1, fibronectin accumulation, impaired adhesion, and increased apoptosis. Background Deficiency of adiponectin and its downstream signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney injury in type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin activates intracellular signaling using adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and adiponectin receptor 2, but the role of adiponectin receptor–mediated signaling in glomerular injury in type 2 diabetes remains unknown. Methods The expression of AdipoR1 in the kidneys of people with type 2 diabetes and the expression of podocyte proteins or injury markers in the kidneys of AdipoR1 knockout (AdipoR1-KO) mice and immortalized AdipoR1-deficient human podocytes were investigated by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The functional role of AdipoR1 was studied in AdipoR1-deficient podocytes by performing assays for apoptosis, cytokine secretion, mechanical stress, adhesion, and endocytic trafficking. Results Glomerular AdipoR1 expression was lower in type 2 diabetes and associated kidney disease, correlating with higher body mass index and podocyte loss. Male AdipoR1-KO mice showed typical signs of early diabetic kidney disease, including albuminuria, glomerular structural abnormalities, and lower expression of central podocyte proteins; females were less affected. Podocyte apoptosis increased in female and male AdipoR1-KO mice, and excessive podocyte loss, potentially due to detachment, was detected in males. AdipoR1 deficiency impaired the yes-associated protein–mediated mechanoresponse and induced accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin in the glomeruli in vivo and podocytes in vitro . Functionally, AdipoR1 deficiency impaired endocytosis of the ECM receptor active integrin β 1, disturbed focal adhesion turnover, and remodulated podocyte-derived ECM, thereby reducing podocyte adhesion. Conclusions AdipoR1 deficiency in mice resulted in the development of kidney injury predominantly in males. Mechanistically, AdipoR1 loss in podocytes impaired endocytosis of active integrin β 1, which plausibly compromised focal adhesion dynamics, disturbed fibronectin matrix turnover, and hindered podocyte adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Lindfors
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Constanze Schmotz
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dominik Lewandowski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Annika Hau
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena Saikko
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Lehtonen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Majaniemi
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Karhe
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jette-Britt Naams
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harry Nisen
- Abdominal Center, Urology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Tienari
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Moin A. Saleem
- Bristol Renal, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Pfeil
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heiko Bugger
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kirsi H. Pietiläinen
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Obesity Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Healthy Weight Hub, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas Mirtti
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Sanna Lehtonen
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Ester L, Wiesner E, Chen H, Ventzke M, Diefenhardt P, Mandel AM, Fabretti F, Brinkkoetter PT, Benzing T, Habbig S, Kann M, Cabrita I, Schermer B. Transcriptional Regulators YAP and TAZ Have Distinct Abilities to Compensate for One Another in Podocytes. J Am Soc Nephrol 2025:00001751-990000000-00598. [PMID: 40137583 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Podocyte-specific knockout of YAP but not TAZ led to proteinuria.Knockout of more than two alleles of YAP and TAZ resulted in neonatal death, revealing compensation between the two cotranscription factors.Although YAP fully compensated for the loss of TAZ, TAZ did not entirely compensate for YAP functions related to Rho-GTPase and ERBB4 signaling.
Background
Kidney function depends on the filtration of enormous volumes of plasma, exposing the filtration barrier to mechanical forces. Podocytes must adapt to these forces for the lifetime of an organism as they cannot self-renew. The molecular mechanisms of podocyte adaptation to mechanical stress remain unclear. YAP and TAZ are key mechanotransducers that relay mechanical stimuli to control transcription.
Methods
We made use of podocyte-specific knockout mouse models for Yap (YAPpKO), Taz (TAZpKO), or both (YAPpKO/TAZpKO) and analyzed single-nucleus RNA sequencing data of isolated glomeruli to delineate the distinct and shared roles of YAP and TAZ in podocyte homeostasis.
Results
Here, we found that YAP and TAZ have only partially overlapping functions and compensatory potential in podocytes in vivo. YAPpKO mice displayed podocyte damage and progressive kidney failure. By contrast, TAZpKO animals did not develop any overt disease, while the combined deletion of Yap and Taz caused a neonatal lethal phenotype. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis revealed that in both YAPpKO and TAZpKO mice, a subpopulation of podocytes showed a similar stress response driven by activator protein 1, revealing a protective compensatory mechanism. However, TAZ failed to compensate sufficiently for the loss of YAP, resulting in dysregulation of Rho-GTPases and subsequently the actin cytoskeleton in diseased YAPpKO. Furthermore, we observed loss of ERBB4 expression exclusively in YAPpKO, underscoring the role of ERBB4 signaling as additional layer of YAP-specific regulation in maintaining podocyte survival.
Conclusions
In summary, we identified common and distinct roles for the two transcriptional regulators in podocyte homeostasis. YAP and TAZ can compensate for the loss of the other in podocytes to preserve viability. Still, although YAP can entirely compensate for the loss of TAZ securing podocyte health, TAZ fails to maintain all the YAP-specific functions leading to podocyte injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lioba Ester
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Research Center On Rare Kidney Diseases (RECORD), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Wiesner
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - He Chen
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michel Ventzke
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul Diefenhardt
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amrei M Mandel
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Research Center On Rare Kidney Diseases (RECORD), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Francesca Fabretti
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul T Brinkkoetter
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Habbig
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Kann
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Inês Cabrita
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schermer
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Zhao Z, Wu W, Zhang Q, Xing T, Bai Y, Li S, Zhang D, Che H, Guo X. Mechanism and therapeutic potential of hippo signaling pathway in type 2 diabetes and its complications. Biomed Pharmacother 2025; 183:117817. [PMID: 39842269 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.117817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2024] [Revised: 12/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 01/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Loss of pancreatic islet cell mass and function is one of the most important factors in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia-induced lesions in other organs are also associated with apoptosis or hyperproliferation of the corresponding tissue cells. The Hippo signaling pathway is a key signal in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis, which has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Excessive activation of the Hippo signaling pathway under high glucose conditions triggered apoptosis and decreased insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells, while dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway in the cells of other organ tissues led to proliferation or apoptosis and promoted tissue fibrosis, which aggravated the progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications. This article reviews the mechanisms of Hippo signaling, its individual and reciprocal regulation in diabetic pancreatic pathology, and its emerging role in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. Potential therapeutics for diabetes mellitus that have been shown to target the Hippo signaling pathway are also summarized to provide information for the clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Weijie Wu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tiancheng Xing
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yiling Bai
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shuoqi Li
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Huilian Che
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xiaohui Guo
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
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4
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Li J, Yang Y, Li L, Zheng S, Zhang H, Li C, Cai Y, Chen Y, Shi Q, Wang W, Luo J, Zhao X, Li R, Liang H, Chen Y, Zhang L, Liang X. Autophagic inhibitor ROC-325 ameliorates glomerulosclerosis and podocyte injury via inhibiting autophagic flux in experimental FSGS mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 983:177007. [PMID: 39307335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.177007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Podocyte-specific Yes-associated protein (YAP) deletion mice, referred to as YAP-KO mice, is considered a new animal model to study the underlying mechanism of FSGS. ROC-325 is a novel small-molecule lysosomal autophagy inhibitor that is more effective than chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in suppressing autophagy. In this study, we sought to determine the therapeutic benefit and mechanism of action of ROC-325 in YAP-KO mice, an experimental FSGS model. METHODS AND RESULTS YAP-KO mice were treated with ROC-325 (50 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for one month. Our results revealed that albuminuria, mesangial matrix expension, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in YAP-KO mice were significantly attenuated by ROC-325 administration. Transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining showed that ROC-325 treatment significantly inhibited YAP-KO-induced autophagy activation by decreasing autophagosome-lysosome fusion and increasing LC3A/B and p62/SQSTM. Meanwhile, Immunofluorescence staining revealed that preapplication of ROC-325 in podocyte with YAP-targeted siRNA and mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus markedly suppressed autophagic flux in vitro, suggesting that autophagy intervention may serve as a target for FSGS. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that the role of autophagic activity in FSGS mice model and ROC-325 could be a novel and promising agent for the treatment of FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Li
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of nephropathy, Peking university Shenzhen Hospital, Guangdong, China
| | - Luan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuili Li
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yating Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingwen Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingying Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiteng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyi Luo
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingchen Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruizhao Li
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaban Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xinling Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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5
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Bhattacharya R, Ward T, Kalejaiye TD, Mishra A, Leeman S, Arzaghi H, Seidman JG, Seidman CE, Musah S. Engineered human iPS cell models reveal altered podocytogenesis and glomerular capillary wall in CHD-associated SMAD2 mutations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.02.606108. [PMID: 39211233 PMCID: PMC11360959 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.02.606108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Early developmental programming involves extensive cell lineage diversification through shared molecular signaling networks. Clinical observations of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients carrying SMAD2 genetic variants revealed correlations with multi-organ impairments at the developmental and functional levels. For example, many CHD patients present with glomerulosclerosis, periglomerular fibrosis, and albuminuria. Still, it remains largely unknown whether SMAD2 variants associated with CHD can directly alter kidney cell fate, tissue patterning, and organ-level function. To address this question, we engineered human iPS cells (iPSCs) and organ-on-a-chip systems to uncover the role of pathogenic SMAD2 variants in kidney podocytogenesis. Our results show that abrogation of SMAD2 causes altered patterning of the mesoderm and intermediate mesoderm (IM) cell lineages, which give rise to nearly all kidney cell types. Upon further differentiation of IM cells, the mutant podocytes failed to develop arborizations and interdigitations. A reconstituted glomerulus-on-a-chip platform exhibited significant proteinuria as clinically observed in glomerulopathies. This study implicates CHD-associated SMAD2 mutations in kidney tissue malformation and provides opportunities for therapeutic discovery in the future.
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Haydak J, Azeloglu EU. Role of biophysics and mechanobiology in podocyte physiology. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:371-385. [PMID: 38443711 PMCID: PMC12103212 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] [Download PDF] [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.
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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.
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7
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McEvoy CM, Yuen DA. Not too much, not too little-just the right amount: the story of YAP in the podocyte. Kidney Int 2024; 105:1157-1159. [PMID: 38777398 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Chen et al. identify dysregulation of the transcriptional activator Yes-associated protein in the podocytes of diabetic mouse and human kidneys. Podocyte Yes-associated protein deficiency led to downregulation of the key transcription factor Wilms' tumor 1, and worsened podocyte injury in a mouse model of diabetic kidney injury. Yes-associated protein may therefore play a critical role in diabetic podocyte injury via regulation of Wilms' tumor 1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitríona M McEvoy
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren A Yuen
- Division of Nephrology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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8
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Burt MA, Kalejaiye TD, Bhattacharya R, Dimitrakakis N, Musah S. Adriamycin-Induced Podocyte Injury Disrupts the YAP-TEAD1 Axis and Downregulates Cyr61 and CTGF Expression. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3341-3351. [PMID: 34890187 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The most severe forms of kidney diseases are often associated with irreversible damage to the glomerular podocytes, the highly specialized epithelial cells that encase glomerular capillaries and regulate the removal of toxins and waste from the blood. Several studies revealed significant changes to podocyte cytoskeletal structure during disease onset, suggesting possible roles of cellular mechanosensing in podocyte responses to injury. Still, this topic remains underexplored partly due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models that closely recapitulate human podocyte biology. Here, we leveraged our previously established method for the derivation of mature podocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to help uncover the roles of yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional coactivator and mechanosensor, in podocyte injury response. We found that while the total expression levels of YAP remain relatively unchanged during Adriamycin (ADR)-induced podocyte injury, the YAP target genes connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61) are significantly downregulated. Intriguingly, TEAD1 is significantly downregulated in podocytes injured with ADR. By examining multiple independent modes of cellular injury, we found that CTGF and Cyr61 expression are downregulated only when podocytes were exposed to molecules known to disrupt the cell's mechanical integrity or cytoskeletal structure. To our knowledge, this is the first report that the YAP-TEAD1 signaling axis is disrupted when stem cell-derived human podocytes experience biomechanical injury. Together, these results could help improve the understanding of kidney disease mechanisms and highlight CTGF and Cyr61 as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers for patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Burt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Titilola D Kalejaiye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Rohan Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Nikolaos Dimitrakakis
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Samira Musah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
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