Tubule Cells Research Articles

Development of an In Vitro Model for Inflammation Mediated Renal Toxicity Using 3D Renal Tubules and Co-Cultured Human Immune Cells.

The emergence of various infectious diseases and the toxic effects of hyperinflammation by biotherapeutics have highlighted the need for in vitro preclinical models mimicking the human immune system. In vitro models studying the relationship between hyperinflammation and acute renal injury mainly rely on 2D culture systems, which have shown limitations in recapitulating kidney function. Herein, we developed an in vitro kidney toxicity model by co-culturing 3D engineered kidney proximal tubules cells (RPTEC/TERT1) with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). RPTEC/TERT1 were sandwich cultured to form 3D renal tubules for 16days. The tubules were then co-cultured with PBMC using transwell (0.4μm pores) for 24h. Hyperinflammation of PBMC was induced during co-culture using polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to investigate the effects of the induced hyperinflammation on the renal tubules. Encapsulated RPTEC/TERT1 cells in Matrigel exhibited elevated renal function markers compared to 2D culture. The coexistence of PBMC and polyI:C induced a strong inflammatory response in the kidney cells. This hyperinflammation significantly reduced primary cilia formation and upregulated kidney injury markers along the 3D tubules. Similarly, treating co-cultured PBMC with LPS to induce hyperinflammation resulted in comparable inflammatory responses and potential kidney injury. The model demonstrated similar changes in kidney injury markers following polyI:C and LPS treatment, indicating its suitability for detecting immune-associated kidney damage resulting from infections and biopharmaceutical applications.

Tlx1 regulates acinar and duct development in mouse salivary glands.

Tlx1 encodes a transcription factor expressed in several craniofacial structures of developing mice. The role of Tlx1 in salivary gland development was examined using morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of Tlx1 null mice. Tlx1 is expressed in submandibular and sublingual glands but not parotid glands of neonatal and adult male and female C57Bl/6J (Tlx1+/+ ) mice. TLX1 protein was localized to the nuclei of terminal tubule cells, developing duct cells and mesenchymal cells in neonatal submandibular and sublingual glands, and to nuclei of duct cells and connective tissue cells in adult glands. Occasionally, TLX1 was observed in nuclei of epithelial cells in or adjacent to the acini. Submandibular glands were smaller and sublingual glands were larger in size in mutant mice (Tlx1-/- ) compared to wild-type mice. Differentiation of terminal tubule and proacinar cells of neonatal Tlx1-/- submandibular glands was abnormal; expression of their characteristic products, submandibular gland protein C and parotid secretory protein, respectively, was reduced. At 3 weeks postnatally, terminal tubule cells at the acinar-intercalated duct junction were poorly developed or absent in Tlx1-/- mice. Granular convoluted ducts in adult mutant mice were decreased, and epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor expression were reduced. Along with normal acinar cell proteins, adult acinar cells of Tlx1-/- mice continued to express neonatal proteins and expressed parotid proteins not normally present in submandibular glands. Sublingual gland mucous acinar and serous demilune cell differentiation were altered. Tlx1 is necessary for proper differentiation of submandibular and sublingual gland acinar cells, and granular convoluted ducts. The mechanism(s) underlying Tlx1 regulation of salivary gland development and differentiation remains unknown.

Analysis of potential biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease based on single-cell RNA-sequencing integrated with a single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a renal microvascular disease caused by hyperglycemia that involves metabolic remodeling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other factors. The mechanism is complex and not fully unraveled. We performed an integrated single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses of kidneys from db/db and db/m mice to identify differential open chromatin regions and gene expression, particularly in genes related to proximal tubular reabsorption and secretion. We identified 9,776 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 884 cell type-specific transcription factors (TFs) across 15 cell types. Glucose and lipid transporters, and TFs related to the circadian rhythm in the proximal tubules had significantly higher expression in db/db mice than in db/m mice (P<0.01). Crosstalk between podocytes and tubular cells in the proximal tubules was enhanced, and renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis pathways were activated in db/db mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining results showed that Wfdc2 expression in the urine and kidneys of DKD patients was higher than that in non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) controls. The revealed landscape of chromatin accessibility and transcriptional profiles in db/db mice provide insights into the pathological mechanism of DKD.

A reference genome for the long-term kleptoplast-retaining sea slug Elysia crispata morphotype clarki.

Several species of sacoglossan sea slugs possess the incredible ability to sequester chloroplasts from the algae they consume. These "photosynthetic animals" incorporate stolen chloroplasts, called kleptoplasts, into the epithelial cells of tubules that extend from their digestive tracts throughout their bodies. The mechanism by which these slugs maintain functioning kleptoplasts in the absence of an algal nuclear genome is unknown. Here, we report a draft genome of the sacoglossan slug Elysia crispata morphotype clarki, a morphotype native to the Florida Keys that can retain photosynthetically active kleptoplasts for several months without feeding. We used a combination of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long reads and Illumina short reads to produce a 786-Mb assembly (N50 = 0.459 Mb) containing 68,514 predicted protein-coding genes. A phylogenetic analysis found no evidence of horizontal acquisition of genes from algae. We performed gene family and gene expression analyses to identify E. crispata genes unique to kleptoplast-containing slugs that were more highly expressed in fed versus unfed developmental life stages. Consistent with analyses in other kleptoplastic slugs, our investigation suggests that genes encoding lectin carbohydrate-binding proteins and those involved in regulation of reactive oxygen species and immunity may play a role in kleptoplast retention. Lastly, we identified four polyketide synthase genes that could potentially encode proteins producing UV- and oxidation-blocking compounds in slug cell membranes. The genome of E. crispata is a quality resource that provides potential targets for functional analyses and enables further investigation into the evolution and mechanisms of kleptoplasty in animals.

A sub-10-nm, folic acid-conjugated gold nanoparticle as self-therapeutic treatment of tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Nanomedicines for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) are on the horizon, yet their delivery to renal tubules where tubulointerstitial fibrosis occurs remains inefficient. We report a folic acid-conjugated gold nanoparticle that can transport into renal tubules and treat tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. The 3-nm gold core allows for the dissection of bio-nano interactions in the fibrotic kidney, ensures the overall nanoparticle (~7 nm) to be small enough for glomerular filtration, and naturally inhibits the p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase in the absence of chemical or biological drugs. The folic acids support binding to selected tubule cells with overexpression of folate receptors and promote retention in the fibrotic kidney. Upon intravenous injection, this nanoparticle can selectively accumulate in the fibrotic kidney over the nonfibrotic contralateral kidney at ~3.6% of the injected dose. Delivery to the fibrotic kidney depends on nanoparticle size and disease stage. Notably, a single injection of this self-therapeutic nanoparticle reduces tissue degeneration, inhibits genes related to the extracellular matrix, and treats fibrosis more effectively than standard Captopril therapy. Our data underscore the importance of constructing CKD nanomedicines based on renal pathophysiology.

Predictions from a mathematical approach to model ionic signaling for rapid responses of Sertoli cells exhibit similarities to pharmacological approaches

Sertoli cells are essential for the male reproduction system as they provide morphological support and nutrients for germ cells to guarantee ongoing spermatogenesis. The aim of this work was to predict the electrical properties at the plasma membrane that trigger Sertoli cell rapid responses by involving ionic channels. The rapid responses of Sertoli cells in culture were monitored using patch clamp electrical measurement and compared to data obtained using pharmacological tools (from intact seminiferous tubules). A mathematical model was used to define the roles of potassium channels and the ATP-dependent Na+/K+ pump in these responses. Mathematical data verification was also performed to determine the resting and hormonal stimulated membrane potentials of Sertoli cells in the intact seminiferous tubules and of Sertoli cells in culture (patch clamp measurements). The prediction of these data based on mathematical modeling demonstrated, for the first time, the involvement of potassium channels and the activation of Na+/K+ pump in the hyperpolarization of Sertoli cells and their consequent rapid responses. Moreover, the mathematical analysis showing the involvement of ionic balance in the rapid responses of these cells to hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone, is consistent with previous reports obtained using pharmacological techniques in Sertoli cells. Thus, the validation of such data is reliable and represents a first step in the proposition for a mathematical model to predict rapid responses of Sertoli cells to hormonal stimuli.

The role of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an acute natural focal disease of a viral nature. Its severity is determined by hemorrhagic phenomena, cytokine storm, kidney damage with the development of acute renal failure, and the possibility of death. HFRS is caused by viruses from the family Hantaviridae. Hantaviruses are characterized by the ability to infect endothelial and epithelial cells of the renal tubules, as well as innate immunity cells (neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells), which leads to both direct damage to the immune system and indirect through a violation of their functions. The review analyzes the immune mechanisms in HFRS and their role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

C2C12 Muscle Myotubes, but not Kidney Proximal Tubule HK-2 Cells, Elevate Erythritol Synthesis in Response to Oxidative Stress

BackgroundAs a biomarker, elevated serum erythritol concentrations predict type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease onset. Erythritol was recently shown to be a product of human glucose metabolism through the pentose phosphate pathway. The regulation of erythritol synthesis from glucose has been explored in cancer cells but not in nontransformed cells. ObjectiveThe kidneys and skeletal muscle have increased erythritol content in response to dietary sucrose, which suggests that they may significantly contribute to circulating erythritol concentrations. In the present study, we evaluated if conditions that promote erythritol synthesis in cancer cells are consistent in skeletal muscle and kidney cells. MethodsC2C12 myotubules were used as a model for skeletal muscle, and human kidney (HK)-2 human proximal tubule cells were used to model kidney. C2C12 cells were exposed to high- or low-glucose conditions. Both C2C12 and HK-2 cells were exposed to the free radical generator menadione, then intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and erythritol concentrations were measured. Intracellular sorbitol concentrations were also measured because increased polyol flux was also observed after exposure to excess glucose and oxidative stress. ResultsIntracellular erythritol concentrations were significantly elevated in C2C12 cells following both high-glucose and menadione treatment. In contrast, HK-2 cells did not increase erythritol synthesis in response to oxidative stress. Generation of ROS through hydrogen peroxide exposure elevated sorbitol concentrations in both C2C12 and HK-2 cells, whereas generation of radicals with menadione treatment did not affect sorbitol production in either cell type. ConclusionsThese findings highlight that the factors contributing to elevated erythritol synthesis vary between cell types. More specifically, these studies demonstrate that muscle cells increase erythritol synthesis in response to both high glucose in culture medium and oxidative stress, whereas kidney cells increase erythritol synthesis only in response to high glucose.

Connexin-43 hemichannels orchestrate NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and sterile inflammation in tubular injury

BackgroundWithout a viable cure, chronic kidney disease is a global health concern. Inflammatory damage in and around the renal tubules dictates disease severity and is contributed to by multiple cell types. Activated in response to danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including ATP, the NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is integral to this inflammation. In vivo, we have previously observed that increased expression of Connexin 43 (Cx43) is linked to inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) whilst in vitro studies in human proximal tubule cells highlight a role for aberrant Cx43 hemichannel mediated ATP release in tubule injury. A role for Cx43 hemichannels in priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in tubule epithelial cells remains to be determined.MethodsUsing the Nephroseq database, analysis of unpublished transcriptomic data, examined gene expression and correlation in human CKD. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was combined with genetic (tubule-specific Cx43 knockout) and specific pharmacological blockade of Cx43 (Peptide5), to explore a role for Cx43-hemichannels in tubule damage. Human primary tubule epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model of CKD.ResultsIncreased Cx43 and NLRP3 expression correlates with declining glomerular filtration rate and increased proteinuria in biopsies isolated from patients with CKD. Connexin 43-tubule deletion prior to UUO protected against tubular injury, increased expression of proinflammatory molecules, and significantly reduced NLRP3 expression and downstream signalling mediators. Accompanied by a reduction in F4/80 macrophages and fibroblast specific protein (FSP1+) fibroblasts, Cx43 specific hemichannel blocker Peptide5 conferred similar protection in UUO mice. In vitro, Peptide5 determined that increased Cx43-hemichannel activity primes and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome via ATP-P2X7 receptor signalling culminating in increased secretion of chemokines and cytokines, each of which are elevated in individuals with CKD. Inhibition of NLRP3 and caspase 1 similarly decreased markers of tubular injury, whilst preventing the perpetual increase in Cx43-hemichannel activity.ConclusionAberrant Cx43-hemichannel activity in kidney tubule cells contributes to tubule inflammation via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream paracrine mediated cell signalling. Use of hemichannel blockers in targeting Cx43-hemichannels is an attractive future therapeutic target to slow or prevent disease progression in CKD.-uWW98vNU7-T3Uscg54sCsVideo

In-vivo Evaluation of Nephroprotective Activity of Naringenin against ADPKD and MDCK-derived Cysts

Aim: Determining the in-vivo assessment of Naringenin’s nephroprotective efficacy against Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) derived cysts. Method: Our research on the molecular mechanism of naringenin, a flavonoid present in plants and berries that has been shown to limit cell growth and protect against cancer in in-vitro and animal models, was conducted using dictyostelium, a simple, controllable biomedical model. Cultured MDCK cells were used to generate differentiated tubule cells, and these findings were extrapolated to a human kidney model employing these cells. Results: While naringenin inhibited growth in dictyostelium, it had no effect on development. In a random-gene-knockout screen, a TRPP2 (polycystin-2) knockout mutant was discovered to be resistant to naringenin’s effects on growth and random-cell movement. Changes in the divalent transient receptor cause polycystic kidney disease type 2 potential cation channel TRPP2. We found that the growth of cysts and MDCK cells might be inhibited by naringenin. Partial resistance to naringenin was achieved in this model by lowering TRPP2 levels via siRNA, as evidenced by the presence of larger cysts following treatment with 3 and 10 M naringenin compared to controls. Naringenin had no effect on chloride secretion. Conclusion: Naringenin’s influence on cell proliferation is mediated by TRPP2 in both dictyostelium and mammalian kidney cells, despite their vast evolutionary distance from one another (polycystin-2). Naringenin will be the subject of more research as a possible new therapeutic treatment for ADPKD

Carnosine alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by targeting Caspase-1 regulated pyroptosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome characterized by rapid loss of renal excretory function. Its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, plays an important role in AKI. It is characterized by cell swelling and membrane rupture, triggering the release of cellular contents and activating robust inflammatory responses. Carnosine, a dipeptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has therapeutic effects in AKI. However, the mechanism by which carnosine treats AKI-associated pyroptosis remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of carnosine on renal tubule cells using in vivo and in vitro models of AKI. We found that carnosine therapy significantly alleviated altered serum biochemical markers and histopathological changes in mice with cisplatin-induced AKI. It also reduced the levels of inflammation and pyroptosis. These results were consistent with those seen in human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) treated with cisplatin. Through molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay, we identified caspase-1 as a target of carnosine. By knocking down caspase-1 in HK-2 cells using caspase-1 siRNA, we demonstrated that carnosine did not exhibit a protective role in cisplatin-induced HK-2 cells. This study provides the first evidence that carnosine alleviates damage to kidney tubular epithelial cells by targeting caspase-1 and inhibiting pyroptosis. Therefore, carnosine holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for AKI, with caspase-1 representing an effective therapeutic target in this pathology.

Melatonin attenuates cellular senescence and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy by regulating STAT3 phosphorylation

AimsMelatonin is an endogenous hormone related to the regulation of biorhythm. Previous researchers have found that melatonin can ameliorate diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. To discover the possible mechanism by which melatonin prevents DN, we investigated the potential effects of melatonin on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) on the progression of cellular senescence and apoptosis. Main methodsCellular senescence, apoptosis and the underlying mechanism of melatonin were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to establish DN. For an in vitro model of DN, human renal cortex proximal epithelial tubule (HK-2) cells were exposed to high glucose conditions. Key findingsMelatonin inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3, decreased the expression of senescence proteins p53, p21 and p16INK4A. Melatonin also downregulated the expression of apoptotic proteins, including cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase-9 and -3. Melatonin treatment decreased the positive area of senescence-associated galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the number of TUNEL-positive cells in kidneys of DN mice. In vitro, melatonin inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and lowered cellular senescence and apoptosis markers, in a manner similar to the STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201. In addition, the inhibition effect of melatonin on cellular senescence and apoptosis in HK-2 cells was reversed by the usage of recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6), which can induce STAT3 phosphorylation. SignificanceWe, for the first time, demonstrate that melatonin inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation, which is involved in alleviating the cellular senescence and apoptosis in DN.

Cutaneous Arsenical Exposure Induces Distinct Metabolic Transcriptional Alterations of Kidney Cells.

Arsenicals are deadly chemical warfare agents that primarily cause death through systemic capillary fluid leakage and hypovolemic shock. Arsenical exposure is also known to cause acute kidney injury, a condition that contributes to arsenical-associated death due to the necessity of the kidney in maintaining whole-body fluid homeostasis. Because of the global health risk that arsenicals pose, a nuanced understanding of how arsenical exposure can lead to kidney injury is needed. We used a nontargeted transcriptional approach to evaluate the effects of cutaneous exposure to phenylarsine oxide, a common arsenical, in a murine model. Here we identified an upregulation of metabolic pathways such as fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α signaling in proximal tubule epithelial cell and endothelial cell clusters. We also revealed highly upregulated genes such as Zbtb16, Cyp4a14, and Pdk4, which are involved in metabolism and metabolic switching and may serve as future therapeutic targets. The ability of arsenicals to inhibit enzymes such as pyruvate dehydrogenase has been previously described in vitro. This, along with our own data, led us to conclude that arsenical-induced acute kidney injury may be due to a metabolic impairment in proximal tubule and endothelial cells and that ameliorating these metabolic effects may lead to the development of life-saving therapies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, we demonstrate that cutaneous arsenical exposure leads to a transcriptional shift enhancing fatty acid metabolism in kidney cells, indicating that metabolic alterations might mechanistically link topical arsenical exposure to acute kidney injury. Targeting metabolic pathways may generate promising novel therapeutic approaches in combating arsenical-induced acute kidney injury.

Extracellular vesicle-coupled miRNA profiles of chicken seminal plasma and their potential interaction with recipient cells

The presence of EVs in seminal plasma (SPEVs) suggests their involvement on fertility via transmitting information between the original cells and recipient cells. SPEVs-coupled miRNAs have been shown to affect sperm motility, maturation, and capacitation in mammals, but rarely in poultry species. The present study aims to reveal the profile of SPEVs miRNAs and their potential effect on sperm storage and function in poultry. The SPEVs was successfully isolated from 4 different chicken breeds by ultracentrifugation and verified. Deep sequencing of SPEVs small RNA library of each breed identified 1077 miRNAs in total and 563 shared ones. The top 10 abundant miRNAs (such as miR-10-5p, miR-100-5p, and miR-10a-5p etc.) accounted for around 60% of total SPEVs miRNA reads and are highly conserved across species, predisposing their functional significance. Target genes prediction and functional enrichment analysis indicated that the most abundantly expressed miRNAs may regulate pathways like ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, mitophagy, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and fatty acid elongation. The high abundant SPEVs-coupled miRNAs were found to target 107 and 64 functionally important mRNAs in the potential recipient cells, sperm and sperm storage tubules (SST) cells, respectively. The pathways that enriched by target mRNAs revealed that the SPEVs-coupled miRNA may rule the fertility by affecting the sperm maturation and regulating the female's immune response and lipid metabolism. In summary, this study presents the distinctive repertoire of SPEVs-coupled miRNAs, and extends our understanding about their potential roles in sperm maturation, capacitation, storage, and fertility, and may help to develop new therapeutic strategies for male infertility and sperm storage.

Protective effect of paricalcitol in rat testicular damage induced by subchronic 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation

In the present study, the possible protective effects of paricalcitol (P) were investigated in testicular damage because of 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure. Male Sprague Dawley rats 8–10 weeks old (n = 28) were randomly divided into four groups as control (C) (n = 7), RFR (n = 7, 1800 MHz RFR 1 h/day for 30 days), P (n = 7, 0.2 μg/kg paricalcitol, 3 times a week for 30 days), and RFR + P (n = 7, 1800 MHz RFR 1 h/day for 30 days +0.2 μg/kg paricalcitol, 3 times a week for 30 days). Testicular tissue was evaluated with histological and biochemical methods. No statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in seminiferous tubule diameters and germinal epithelial thicknesses. While ultrastructural changes were observed in the seminiferous tubule and Leydig cells in the RFR group, these changes were decreased in the RFR + P group. It was found that the Johnsen Score, Ki67, and p63 immunoreactivity scores (IRS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the RFR + P group were statistically increased as compared to the RFR group and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased statistically and significantly. These results show that paricalcitol administration may have an ameliorative effect on testicular damage occurring because of 1800 MHz RFR exposure.

Silk Dye Effluent Induced Change in Ultra-Structure of Testis on Swiss Albino Male Mice Mus Musculus and Recovery by Moringa Oleifera Leaves Powder

The silk dye effluent is one of the most potential harmful chemicals liberated in the environment in an unexpected manner. Silk dye waste is widely used as a potent dyeing of yarn and fabrics in many countries and has been shown to produce some adverse health effects. This work focuses primarily on the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on testis of silk dye effluent induced surface ultrastructure in Swiss albino mice Mus musculus. The testis has been taken an account for surface ultrastructural study. The mice were divided into 5 Groups i.e. Group I (Control), Group II (fed with 50% silk dye), Group III (fed with 100% silk dye), Group IV (mice fed with 50% dye treated with M. oleifera leaves powder), Group V (mice fed with 100% dye treated with M. oleifera leaves powder) have been taken for experiment. The dose of silk dye was 2ml/day to both groups II and III and M. oleifera leaf is given as per the standard dose (300mg/kg b.w) to both animals of group IV and V. Administration of silk dye waste result were demonstrated disrupted spermatids, cessation of seminiferous tubule cell, irregular cavity, lump of seminiferous tubules, disrupted interstitial cell and occupied spermatogonial cells but used of Moringa oleifera leafs powder it was significantly recovered the damage tissues has been observed. This study suggested that the extract may have beneficial effect on surface ultrastructural constituents such as Testis.&#x0D; Key words: Silk dye Effluent, Moringa oleifera leaf powder, Testis, Mus musculus, SEM for Ultra-Structure, Toxicity assessment.

Altered expression, but small contribution, of the histone demethylase KDM6A in obstructive uropathy in mice.

Epigenetic processes have emerged as important modulators of kidney health and disease. Here, we studied the role of KDM6A (a histone demethylase that escapes X-chromosome inactivation) in kidney tubule epithelial cells. We initially observed an increase in tubule cell Kdm6a mRNA in male mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). However, tubule cell knockout of KDM6A had relatively minor consequences, characterized by a small reduction in apoptosis, increase in inflammation and downregulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. In proximal tubule lineage HK-2 cells, KDM6A knockdown decreased PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein levels and mRNA levels of the encoding gene, PPARGC1A. Tubule cell Kdm6a mRNA levels were approximately 2-fold higher in female mice than in male mice, both under sham and UUO conditions. However, kidney fibrosis after UUO was similar in both sexes. The findings demonstrate Kdm6a to be a dynamically regulated gene in the kidney tubule, varying in expression levels by sex and in response to injury. Despite the context-dependent variation in Kdm6a expression, knockout of tubule cell KDM6A has subtle (albeit non-negligible) effects in the adult kidney, at least in males.

Different antihypertensive and metabolic responses to rostafuroxin in undernourished and normonourished male rats: Outcomes on bodily Na+ handling.

Hypertension is a pandemic nowadays. We aimed to investigate whether chronic undernutrition modifies the response to the antihypertensive drug rostafuroxin in juvenile hypertensive rats. Chronic undernutrition was induced in male rats using a multideficient diet known as the Regional Basic Diet (RBD), mimicking alimentary habits in impoverished regions worldwide. Animals were given RBD-or a control/CTRL normal diet for rodents-from weaning to 90 days, and rostafuroxin (1 mg/kg body mass) was orally administered from day 60 onwards. For the last 2 days, the rats were hosted in metabolic cages to measure food/energy, water, Na+ ingestion, and urinary volume. Rostafuroxin increased food/energy/Na+ intake in CTRL and RBD rats but had opposite effects on Na+ balance (intake minus urinary excretion). The drug normalized the decreased plasma Na+ concentration in RBD rats, increased urinary volume in RBD but not in CTRL, and decreased and increased urinary Na+ concentration in the RBD and CTRL groups, respectively. Rostafuroxin decreased the ouabain-sensitive (Na+ +K+ )ATPase and increased the ouabain-resistant Na+ -ATPase from proximal tubule cells in both groups and normalized the systolic blood pressure in RBD without effect in CTRL rats. We conclude that chronic undernutrition modifies the response of blood pressure and metabolic responses to rostafuroxin.

Abstract P401: Caveolin-1 And Flotillin-1 Facilitates The SNX19-mediated D 1 R Endocytosis

Sorting nexin 19 (SNX19) belongs to the SNX-PXA-RGS-PXC subfamily of sorting nexins. It controls blood pressure by regulating the endocytosis of dopamine D1 receptor (D 1 R) in renal proximal tubule cells (RPTCs), allowing it to reside in the lipid rafts (LRs) of the plasma membrane. The exclusion of the D 1 R from LRs in RPTCs is associated with hypertension. However, it is unknown if SNX19 interacts with caveolin-1 and flotillin-1, two of the most important LR components. Thus, we studied if SNX19 associates with these two proteins and whether this interaction impacts D 1 R endocytosis. In RPTCs, SNX19 co-immunoprecipitated with caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 in basal conditions. Fenoldopam (FEN, 25nM, 30 min, n=3), a selective D 1 R/D 5 R agonist, increased the co-immunoprecipitation of SNX19 with both caveolin-1 and flotillin-1. The treatment with a D 1 R/D 5 R antagonist, SCH 39166 (SCH, 1 μM, 30 min), prevented the FEN-mediated increase in the co-immunoprecipitation of SNX19 with caveolin-1 and flotillin-1. In RPTCs, the transfection of SNX19 plasmid with deletion of either caveolin-1 (ΔCav1-SNX19) or flotilin-1(ΔFlot1-SNX19) binding domain impaired the FEN-mediated D 1 R endocytosis compared with the cells that were only transfected with wild-type (WT) SNX19 (WT-SNX19, 100.0±5.0%; ΔCav1-SNX19, 39.1±2.8%; ΔFlot1-SNX19, 59.6±3.4%, n=5). Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of SNX19 did not change in RPTCs transfected with WT-SNX19, ΔCav1-SNX19, or ΔFlot1-SNX19. Thus, SNX19 expression does not depend on its caveolin-1 or flotillin-1 binding motif. In C57Bl/6 mice fed with normal salt diet (0.9% NaCl), the renal subcapsular infusion of Snx19 siRNA (3 μg/day,7 days) significantly increased systolic blood pressure (SBP, mmHg) (mock siRNA: 99.3±1.5, n=8; Snx19 siRNA: 114.1±5.4, n=8). The SBP also increased in mice fed with high salt and aggravated by Snx19 siRNA (4% NaCl; mock siRNA: 119.8 ± 5.6, n=4; Snx19 siRNA: 125.6 ±3.4, n=5). Low salt diet decreased SBP that was not affected by Snx19 siRNA (0.04% NaCl, mock siRNA: 92. 0 ± 3.5, n=3; Snx19 siRNA: 82.7 ±6.7, n=3). Germline deletion of Snx19 in C57Bl/6 mice fed with normal salt diet increased SBP. In conclusion, caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 are important for SNX19-mediated D 1 R endocytosis and blood pressure.

Abstract P126: The Single-cell And Spatial Transcriptional Landscape Of Advanced Diabetic And Hypertensive Kidney Disease In Humans

Diabetes and hypertension, the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), can both lead to renal inflammation and fibrosis through a complex interplay among multiple cell types. However, the similarities and differences between the two pathogenic mechanisms remain understudied, including the involvement of cell organization and related biological processes. We generated an integrative cell landscape of CKD using single-nucleus gene expression and spatial transcriptome profiling in kidney samples from three patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy (ADN), three patients with advanced hypertensive nephropathy (AHN), and two normal controls. We obtained a total of 56,131 nuclei and 3,992 spatial spots to investigate the cell composition and the context of spatial niches. Significant hallmark changes were observed in both types of CKD, including the presence of an average of 60% (SD 12%) proximal tubule cells showing injured status, fibroblasts activation, mitochondria dysfunction, and a 2.9-fold increased inflammatory immune cell infiltration such as activated T cells and macrophages. Some alterations were more pronounced in AHN, such as a notable podocyte loss, which averaged 89% in AHN versus 66% in ADN, mesangial cell activation by increased collagen production, and a 34% higher proportion of natural killer T cells. Among the predominant cell communication, integrin coding gene ITGB8 was up-regulated in diseased thick ascending limbs (combined p.adj=2.3e-139) and injured proximal tubules (combined p.adj=4.4e-92), which acts as the receptor for collagen and laminin that may play a central role in extracellular matrix remodeling surrounding tubular cells. Additionally, the SPP1-CD44 axis established a broad connection between various tubular cells and pan-immune cells, potentially leading to the wide range of inflammatory responses. The co-localization pattern of this interaction was further supported by contextual evidence derived from spatial niches. Our findings provide a cell landscape of advanced diabetic and hypertensive CKD in humans, shedding light on the cellular and molecular basis of these diseases.