A novel podocyte protein, R3h domain containing-like, inhibits TGF-β-induced p38 MAPK and regulates the structure of podocytes and glomerular basement membrane

• Not only in kidney glomerular physiological function but also glomerular pathology especially in diabetic condition, glomerular podocytes play pivotal roles. Therefore, it is important to increase our knowledge about the genes and proteins expressed in podocytes. Recently, we have identified a novel podocyte-expressed gene, R3h domain containing-like (R3hdml) and analyzed its function in vivo as well as in vitro. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling regulated the expression of R3hdml. And R3hdml inhibited p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, which was induced by TGF-β, leading to the amelioration of podocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, a lack of R3hdml in mice significantly worsened glomerular function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, while overexpression of R3hdml ameliorated albuminuria in STZ-induced diabetes. Our results surmise that the functional analyses of R3hdml may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy in the future.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Cell- och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Cell and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Apoptosis

Diabetic nephropathy

Podocyte

p38mapk

TGF-beta

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)