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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Correlative Light Electron Microscopy (CLEM) for Tracking and Imaging Viral Protein Associated Structures in Cryo-immobilized Cells
Published on: September 7, 2018
Hepatitis C virus RNA and core protein in kidney glomerular and tubular structures isolated with laser capture
D Sansonno1, G Lauletta, M Montrone
1Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy. d.sansonno@dimo.uniba.it
Abstract:
The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the production of renal injury has been extensively investigated, though with conflicting results. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was performed to isolate and collect glomeruli and tubules from 20 consecutive chronically HCV-infected patients, namely 6 with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, 4 with membranous glomerulonephritis, 7 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and 3 with IgA-nephropathy. RNA for amplification of specific viral sequences was provided by terminal continuation methodology and compared with the expression profile of HCV core protein. For each case two glomeruli and two tubular structures were microdissected and processed. HCV RNA sequences were demonstrated in 26 (65%) of 40 glomeruli, but in only 4 (10%) of the tubules (P < 0.05). HCV core protein was concomitant with viral sequences in the glomeruli and present in 31 of the 40 tubules. HCV RNA and/or HCV core protein was found in all four disease types. The immunohistochemical picture of HCV core protein was compared with the LCM-based immunoassays of the adjacent tissue sections. Immune deposits were detected in 7 (44%) of 16 biopsy samples shown to be positive by extraction methods. The present study indicates that LCM is a reliable method for measuring both HCV RNA genomic sequences and HCV core protein in kidney functional structures from chronically HCV-infected patients with different glomerulopathies and provides a useful baseline estimate to define the role of HCV in the production of renal injury. The different distribution of HCV RNA and HCV-related proteins may reflect a peculiar 'affinity' of kidney microenvironments for HCV and point to distinct pathways of HCV-related damage in glomeruli and tubules.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and core protein are found in glomeruli and tubules of infected patients, suggesting a role in kidney injury. Laser capture microdissection confirmed HCV presence in various glomerulopathies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The role of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in causing kidney damage is debated.
- Previous studies show conflicting results regarding HCV's impact on renal injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of HCV RNA and core protein in kidney structures of chronically infected patients.
- To assess the utility of laser capture microdissection (LCM) in analyzing HCV in renal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate glomeruli and tubules from 20 HCV-infected patients with various glomerulopathies.
- HCV RNA sequences and HCV core protein expression were analyzed using amplification and immunohistochemical methods.
- LCM-based immunoassays were compared with traditional immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- HCV RNA was detected in 65% of glomeruli and 10% of tubules.
- HCV core protein was found in glomeruli and 31 of 40 tubules.
- HCV RNA and/or core protein were present in all four studied glomerulopathy types, with distinct distributions in glomeruli and tubules.
Conclusions:
- LCM is a reliable method for detecting HCV RNA and protein in kidney structures.
- The differential distribution of HCV components suggests specific mechanisms of HCV-related renal damage.
- This study provides a baseline for understanding HCV's role in glomerulonephritis.
