The protection effect of cysteine rich-protein 61 on renal tubular epithelial cells against apoptosis induced by hypoxia

Abstract

Objective To observe the expression of cysteine rich-protein 61 (Cyr61) on renal tubular cells, to explore its effects against hypoxic induced kidney injury and the underlying mechanisms. Methods A stably Cyr61 expressed tubular cell line Cyr61-HK2 was established based on HK2 cells and recombinant Cyr61-lentivirus. BrdU incorporation assay was used for cell proliferation. The apoptosis of cells was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin V and propidiumiodide staining. Western bloting was used to detect the protein expression of BAD, Akt and ERK. Results (1) Cyr61-HK2 cells displayed more proliferation ability than HK2 cells. (2) Under hypoxia condition, the apoptosis of both HK2 and Cyr61-HK2 cells increased, but the apoptosis of Cyr61-HK2 cells was lesser than HK2 cells. (3) The expression of Cyr61 led to the phosphorylation of BAD, Akt and ERK on 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h (all P <0.05). Conclusion The expression of Cyr61 can promote cell proliferation and dampen cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia, which may be involved in the Akt/ERK signal pathway. Key words: Anoxia; Apoptosis; Acute kidney injury; Cysteine-rich 61