A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Vinculin is required to maintain glomerular barrier integrity
Authors: Lausecker F, Tian X, Inoue K, Wang Z, Pedigo CE, Hassan H, Liu C, Zimmer M, Jinno S, Huckle AL, Hamidi H, Ross RS, Zent R, Ballestrem C, Lennon R, Ishibe S
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
Publication year: 2018
Journal: Kidney International
Journal name in source: KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
Journal acronym: KIDNEY INT
Volume: 93
Issue: 3
First page : 643
Last page: 655
Number of pages: 13
ISSN: 0085-2538
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2017.09.021
Abstract
Cell-matrix interactions and podocyte intercellular junctions are key for maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier. Vinculin, a cytoplasmic protein, couples actin filaments to integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions and to cadherin-based intercellular junctions. Here, we examined the role of vinculin in podocytes by the generation of a podocyte-specific knockout mouse. Mice lacking podocyte vinculin had increased albuminuria and foot process effacement following injury in vivo. Analysis of primary podocytes isolated from the mutant mice revealed defects in cell protrusions, altered focal adhesion size and signaling, as well as impaired cell migration. Furthermore, we found a marked mislocalization of the intercellular junction protein zonula occludens-1. In kidney sections from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, we observed dramatic differences in the expression levels and localization of vinculin. Thus, our results suggest that vinculin is necessary to maintain the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier by modulating podocyte foot processes and stabilizing intercellular junctions.
Cell-matrix interactions and podocyte intercellular junctions are key for maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier. Vinculin, a cytoplasmic protein, couples actin filaments to integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions and to cadherin-based intercellular junctions. Here, we examined the role of vinculin in podocytes by the generation of a podocyte-specific knockout mouse. Mice lacking podocyte vinculin had increased albuminuria and foot process effacement following injury in vivo. Analysis of primary podocytes isolated from the mutant mice revealed defects in cell protrusions, altered focal adhesion size and signaling, as well as impaired cell migration. Furthermore, we found a marked mislocalization of the intercellular junction protein zonula occludens-1. In kidney sections from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, we observed dramatic differences in the expression levels and localization of vinculin. Thus, our results suggest that vinculin is necessary to maintain the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier by modulating podocyte foot processes and stabilizing intercellular junctions.
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