Review
Urology & Nephrology
Robert Bronstein, Jesse Pace, Yogesh Gowthaman, David J. Salant, Sandeep K. Mallipattu
Summary: Podocytes and parietal epithelial cells (PECs) are principal cell types within the kidney glomerulus, with the former serving as a crucial part of the kidney filtration barrier and the latter representing a supporting epithelial layer. They share a developmental lineage and a conserved gene expression program. In addition to their homeostatic functions, podocytes and PECs also play roles in kidney pathogenesis, with PEC proliferation and migration being closely associated with podocyte loss in certain diseases.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
David Unnersjoe-Jess, Amer Ramdedovic, Linus Butt, Ingo Plagmann, Martin Hoehne, Agnes Hackl, Hjalmar Brismar, Hans Blom, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing
Summary: This study reveals that podocytes in mammalian kidneys exhibit a preferred spatial orientation on glomerular capillaries, with secondary processes aligning along the longitudinal axis and primary processes perpendicular to it. This orientation is crucial for podocytes to counteract mechanical forces from pressurized capillaries. However, under pathological conditions or with specific mutations, podocytes lose this preferred orientation. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind podocyte orientation and its loss in disease.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sweta Talyan, Samantha Filipow, Michael Ignarski, Magdalena Smieszek, He Chen, Lucas Kuehne, Linus Butt, Heike Gobel, K. Johanna R. Hoyer-Allo, Felix C. Koehler, Janine Altmuller, Paul Brinkkoeter, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing, Martin Kann, Roman-Ulrich Mueller, Christoph Dieterich
Summary: Diseases of the glomerulus are a common cause of chronic kidney disease, with FSGS being a classic example leading to proteinuria and scarring. Current lack of targeted treatments is due to limited understanding of podocyte defects. Emerging studies on lncRNAs in FSGS reveal a potential for new insights, with the bioinformatic pipeline CALINCA offering a solution for further exploration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lilas Batool, Krithika Hariharan, Yao Xu, Mario Kassmann, Dmitry Tsvetkov, Bjoern-Oliver Gohlke, Sylvia Kaden, Manfred Gossen, Bernd Nuernberg, Andreas Kurtz, Maik Gollasch
Summary: Mutations in TRPC6 gene cause familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and are inherited dominantly. Majority of TRPC6 mutations result in missense changes affecting calcium influx; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms for cell injury and kidney pathology remain unclear. A novel TRPC6 mutation (V691Kfs*) was identified in a large kindred without FSGS despite truncated TRPC6 protein. Functional studies showed that V691Kfs* mutation leads to closure of ion-conducting pathway and fully inactivates the TRPC6 channel-specific calcium influx, suggesting a complete loss-of-function phenotype. This study emphasizes the importance of increased calcium influx through TRPC6 for podocyte cell death.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhenan Liu, Joonho Yoon, Chonlarat Wichaidit, Ankita B. Jaykumar, Hashem A. Dbouk, Addie E. Embry, Liping Liu, Joel M. Henderson, Audrey N. Chang, Melanie H. Cobb, Richard Tyler Miller
Summary: Calcineurin inhibitors can protect podocytes and glomerular capillaries by preserving podocyte cytoskeletal structure, preventing injury in many glomerular diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Stuart J. Shankland, J. Ashley Jefferson, Oliver Wessely
Summary: The majority of podocyte disorders are progressive and can lead to chronic kidney disease and failure. Current therapies are often nonspecific immunosuppressant drugs with unwanted side effects. However, there are promising clinical trials underway to reduce the burden of podocyte disorders. Recent advances have been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of podocyte injury in disease. Repurposing approved therapies for other indications may be a viable approach to treat podocyte disorders, as it offers known safety profiles, completed drug development, and reduced costs.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lioba Ester, Ines Cabrita, Michel Ventzke, Emilia Kieckhoefer, Marita Christodoulou, Amrei M. Mandel, Paul Diefenhardt, Francesca Fabretti, Thomas Benzing, Sandra Habbig, Bernhard Schermer
Summary: The study reveals a connection between the FSGS disease protein NUP205 and the activity of transcriptional regulators and Hippo effectors YAP and TAZ, proposing a potential pathological role of YAP/TAZ dysregulation in podocytes of patients with pathogenic NUP205 variants.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dian Bao, Hua Su, Chun-Tao Lei, Hui Tang, Chen Ye, Wei Xiong, Fang-Fang He, Ji-Hong Lin, Hans-Peter Hammes, Chun Zhang
Summary: The study reveals the significant role of ATM kinase-MAD2B axis in the cell cycle reentry of podocytes in FSGS, providing a new insight into the development of therapeutic approaches for the disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xu He, Lingling Yang, Meiqiu Wang, Pei Zhang, Ren Wang, Daxi Ji, Chunlin Gao, Zhengkun Xia
Summary: This study found that reduced expression of GPX4 is associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and targeting ferroptosis could be a promising therapeutic option for FSGS patients. Treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer1 reduced proteinuria, prevented glomerulosclerosis, and attenuated podocyte injury in an FSGS mouse model.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Hiroyuki Yamada, Naritoshi Shirata, Shinichi Makino, Takafumi Miyake, Juan Alejandro Oliva Trejo, Kanae Yamamoto-Nonaka, Mitsuhiro Kikyo, Maulana A. Empitu, Ika N. Kadariswantiningsih, Maiko Kimura, Koichiro Ichimura, Hideki Yokoi, Masashi Mukoyama, Akitsu Hotta, Katsuhiko Nishimori, Motoko Yanagita, Katsuhiko Asanuma
Summary: Podocytes play a crucial role in regulating the localization of Nephrin and Neph1, with MAGI-2 being essential for maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Downregulation of MAGI-2 leads to reduced expression of slit-diaphragm backbone proteins, while its overexpression preserves their localization at intercellular junctions. The PDZ domains of MAGI-2 play a significant role in interacting with slit diaphragm backbone proteins in podocytes, suggesting a mechanism by which these proteins are maintained in their proper locations.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lili Chen, Zhuang Zhang, Hongtao Tian, Shan Jiang, Yunyun Ji, Mengru Liu, Jianhua Shen, Zhengyu Cao, Kai Wang
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of benzimidazole-based TRPC5 inhibitors. One compound, 8b, is 100-fold more potent than the parent compound, AC1903, in the suppression of TRPC5 channel activity. Interestingly, both AC1903 and 8b also suppressed TRPC4 channel activity with similar potency. Compound 8b also significantly blunts protamine sulfate-induced reorganization of podocyte cytoskeleton, interleukin (IL)-17-induced cell proliferation, and the expression of proinflammatory mediators in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Ting Jia, Tong Xu, Bart Smeets, Eva Miriam Buhl, Marcus Johannes Moeller, Juergen Floege, Barbara Mara Klinkhammer, Peter Boor
Summary: The study suggests that PDGF-B and its receptor PDGFR-beta play a crucial role in the development and progression of FSGS by affecting the activation, proliferation, and fibrotic characteristics of PECs. The molecular crosstalk between podocytes and PECs mediated by PDGF-B and PDGFR-beta drives glomerulosclerosis and the progression of FSGS. Treatment with PDGF-B neutralizing antibody can improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of FSGS.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Stuart J. Shankland, Yuliang Wang, Andrey S. Shaw, Joshua C. Vaughan, Jeffrey W. Pippin, Oliver Wessely
Summary: Aging has negative effects on kidney health, especially with regard to podocytes. This review discusses the mechanisms of podocyte aging, its impact in age-related kidney diseases, strategies to mitigate podocyte damage, and the role of cellular growth pathways in confounding aging processes in humans and rodents.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Chebotareva, Anatoliy Vinogradov, Alexander G. Brzhozovskiy, Daria N. Kashirina, Maria I. Indeykina, Anna E. Bugrova, Marina Lebedeva, Sergey Moiseev, Evgeny N. Nikolaev, Alexey S. Kononikhin
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the proteomic profile of urine from patients with FSGS and MCD. The results showed significant differences in protein profiles between patients with FSGS group 2 and FSGS group 1/MCD. Several proteins were identified as potential biomarkers for these diseases, including apolipoprotein A-IV, hemopexin, and components of the complement system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
James van der Wolde, Kotaro Haruhara, Victor G. Puelles, David Nikolic-Paterson, John F. Bertram, Luise A. Cullen-McEwen
Summary: This study investigated the progressive loss of podocytes during healthy aging and how the remaining podocytes respond to podocyte depletion at different ages. The results showed that podocyte number per glomerulus did not change in control mice during the examined time period but control mice at 18 months had the largest podocytes and the lowest podocyte density. Podocyte depletion at different ages resulted in different levels of albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis. In addition, the study found that the mTORC1-mediated podocyte hypertrophy played an important role in both physiological aging and adaptive settings.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soojung Hahn, Gyuri Kim, Sang-Man Jin, Jae Hyeon Kim
Summary: This study utilized three-dimensional intestinal organoids to investigate the effects of metformin on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and found that metformin can enhance intestinal barrier function and reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. V. Sudarev, M. S. Gette, S. V. Bazhenov, O. M. Tilinova, E. V. Zinovev, I. V. Manukhov, A. I. Kuklin, Yu. L. Ryzhykau, A. V. Vlasov
Summary: This study investigated the self-assembly processes of ferritin-based protein complexes and obtained structurally characterized oligomeric states. These results provide new potential and opportunities for the application of ferritin in various fields.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalda Sabaghi, Farnaz Pourfarzad, Leila Zolghadr, Azita Bahrami, Tahereh Shojazadeh, Alireza Farasat, Nematollah Gheibi
Summary: p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant compound with anti-cancer activities. This study designed a nano-liposomal carrier containing p-CA to enhance its effectiveness against melanoma cells. The findings showed that the liposomal form of p-CA had a greater impact on the cells. Kinetic modeling indicated that the best fitting model was zero-order.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. D. Nazmul Hasan, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Al Asmaul Husna, Nobuhiro Nozaki, Osamu Yamato, Naoki Miura
Summary: This study investigated the expression of ncRNAs other than miRNAs in different histologic subtypes of canine mammary gland tumors (MGT). Three aberrantly expressed ncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for differentiating MGT subtypes. YRNA and tRFs expression levels were found to be decreased in metastatic compared to primary MGT cell lines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seine A. Shintani
Summary: In this study, the researchers used signal analysis to study the instantaneous amplitude and phase of sarcomeric oscillations in skeletal muscle. They identified two types of oscillations, sarcomeric oscillations and sarcosynced oscillations, and visualized their behavior during propagating waves. The researchers discovered the presence of sarcomeric defect holes and sarcomeric collision holes, which are important indicators for understanding the oscillation properties of sarcomeres. This finding has important implications for improving our understanding of muscle function and its regulatory mechanisms.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuanglin Zhang, Yuzhong Jia, Guolan Ma, Yanyan Yang, Zhenzhen Cao, Antao Luo, Zefu Zhang, Shihan Li, Jie Wen, Hanfeng Liu, Jihua Ma
Summary: Bupleurum is an antiarrhythmic agent that may exert its effects by inhibiting L-type calcium channels.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomotaka Ohkubo, Yasuhiko Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sasaki, Kaoru Kinoshita, Yuki Ogasawara, Takashi Sugita
Summary: This study found that Citrobacter koseri inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, disrupting the balance between S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, and exacerbating inflammation in atopic dermatitis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toshifumi Asano, Philipp Sasse, Takao Nakata
Summary: A Cre recombination-based fluorescent reporter system was developed to monitor cell-cell fusion. The system successfully detected the formation of multinuclear myotubes and placental syncytiotrophoblast. This tool could facilitate the study of cell-to-cell fusion.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Shi, Yunlong Shan, Xiao Sun, Kuida Chen, Qiong Luo, Qiang Xu
Summary: This study found that low expression of TP53INP2 is associated with poor survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As the malignancy of CRC progresses, TP53INP2 expression gradually decreases. Knockdown of TP53INP2 promotes CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mechanistically, TP53INP2 deficiency decreases phosphorylation of beta-catenin, leading to increased accumulation and enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Additionally, TP53INP2 sequesters TIM50, inhibiting its activation of beta-catenin. In conclusion, downregulation of TP53INP2 promotes CRC progression by activating beta-catenin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Rossi, Fabio Tomaselli, Alejandro Hochkoeppler
Summary: Oligomeric enzymes are known for their higher catalytic rates compared to monomeric enzymes, but the extent of additivity in their activity is still not well understood. This study used tetrameric rabbit lactate dehydrogenase as a model to examine the kinetics of its catalytic action. Surprisingly, when the concentration of the limiting reactant exceeded that of a single subunit, there was a significant slowdown in the enzyme's conformational rearrangements.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amin Sahraei, Mohammad Javad Shamsoddini, Fakhrossadat Mohammadi, Leila Hassani
Summary: This study explored the inhibitory effects of gallium curcumin, indium curcumin, and vanadyl curcumin on the amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme, as well as the binding interactions of these metal complexes with the enzyme. The results showed that indium curcumin and vanadyl curcumin exhibited higher binding affinities and stronger inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation compared to gallium curcumin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takahiro Sasaki, Yoshiki Kuse, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masamitsu Shimazawa
Summary: PGRN deficiency plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and arrhythmias post-myocardial infarction (MI), potentially by promoting metabolic abnormalities in macrophages.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Zhao, Yiqiang Li, Yibo Zhang, Chi Zhang
Summary: Electrical brain stimulation technology is commonly used to treat brain neurological disorders, but it can cause side effects. This study investigated the impact of electric fields on nerve fibers and revealed the possible origin of side effects. The findings provide guidance for selecting electrical parameters in clinical stimulation therapy.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia S. Scott, Lake-Ee Quek, Andrew J. Hoy, Johannes V. Swinnen, Zeyad D. Nassar, Lisa M. Butler
Summary: The fatty acid elongation enzyme ELOVL5 plays a critical role in promoting metastasis in prostate cancer. Knocking down ELOVL5 leads to the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. This study highlights the importance of fatty acid elongation in regulating cell viability and provides a potential target for prostate cancer treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zan Zhou, Wen-jun Jiang, Li Li, Jun-qiang Si
Summary: This study investigates the effect of noise exposure on cognitive function in mice and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings suggest that noise exposure leads to increased inflammation, increased phosphorylation of Tau protein, and decreased levels of postsynaptic density protein, resulting in cognitive impairment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)