Altered nephrin and podoplanin distribution is associated with disturbed polarity protein PARD-3 and PARD-6 expressions in podocytes from preeclampsia

Reprod Sci. 2011 Aug;18(8):772-80. doi: 10.1177/1933719111398145. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that altered podocyte slit protein nephrin distribution is associated with disturbed polarity protein expressions in podocytes from preeclampsia (PE). We examined expressions and distributions of nephrin, podoplanin, polarity protein partitioning defective-3 (PARD-3), and PARD-6 in podocytes from PE. Podocyte cell line (AB 8/13 cells) was used as control. Podocytes were found in all severe PE cases. In contrast, no podocyte was found in the samples from normal pregnancies and mild PE. Compared to control cells, nephrin, PARD-3 and PARD-6 expressions were reduced or lost in podocytes from severe PE. Podoplanin was expressed in podocyte surface membrane on control cells but reduced in podocytes from PE. These findings indicate that loss of slit protein nephrin and polarity protein PARD-3 and PARD-6 on foot processes could explain for podocyte detachment from glomerular basement membrane and lead to podocyte shedding in PE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / biosynthesis*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Phase-Contrast
  • Podocytes / metabolism*
  • Podocytes / ultrastructure
  • Pre-Eclampsia / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • PARD3 protein, human
  • PARD6A protein, human
  • PDPN protein, human
  • nephrin