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The renal segmental distribution of claudins changes with development
Jose Luis Reyes1, Monica Lamas, Dolores Martin
1Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, México City, Mexico.
Kidney International
|July 12, 2002
Summary
Mammalian nephron permeability changes after birth, with specific claudins developing in different kidney segments. Claudins-7 and -8 increase postnatally, contributing to mature kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mammalian nephron permeability is regulated during postnatal development.
- Differences in transepithelial electrical resistance and tight junction complexity suggest segment-specific molecular changes in renal tubules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential expression of occludin and claudins in rabbit renal tubules during postnatal maturation.
- To correlate claudin expression patterns with the permeability properties of different nephron segments.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis of occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-2 in isolated neonatal and adult rabbit renal tubules.
- RT-PCR to detect claudins-1 to -8 in isolated tubules.
- Immunofluorescence for claudin-5 in whole kidney sections.
Main Results:
- Occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-2 were present in neonatal tubules. Claudin-1 localized to tighter segments (distal, collecting duct), and claudin-2 to leaky segments (proximal).
- Neonatal tubules expressed claudins-1 to -4. Adult tubules showed distinct claudin expression patterns: claudins-1, -2, -4 in proximal, Henle's loop, and collecting segments; claudin-3 in proximal and collecting tubules; claudin-7 in proximal tubules; claudin-8 in proximal and Henle's segments.
- Claudins-5 and -6 were absent from adult tubular portions, while claudin-5 was detected in kidney vasculature.
Conclusions:
- Occludin distribution is established early in development (neonatal stage).
- Claudins-7 and -8 expression is significantly upregulated after birth.
- Segment-specific expression of claudins in the nephron suggests their critical role in determining the unique permeability characteristics of tight junctions in each renal tubule segment.