High glucose and angiotensin II increase beta1 integrin and integrin-linked kinase synthesis in cultured mouse

Sang Youb Han1, Young Sun Kang, Yi Hwa Jee

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, South Korea.

Cell and Tissue Research
|September 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

High glucose and angiotensin II increase integrin beta1 and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in mouse podocytes, potentially contributing to diabetic nephropathy. Losartan partially reversed these effects, suggesting a role for the integrin-ILK system in kidney disease.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure.
  • Integrin alpha3beta1 alterations are implicated in diabetic nephropathy pathogenesis.
  • Podocyte injury is a key feature of diabetic nephropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of high glucose and angiotensin II on integrin alpha3beta1 and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) expression in cultured mouse podocytes.
  • To determine if these changes are associated with ILK activity and podocyte morphology.
  • To explore the potential role of the integrin-ILK system in diabetic nephropathy.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured mouse podocytes were exposed to high glucose (30 mmol/l) or angiotensin II (1-100 nM).
  • Integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA and protein expression were quantified.
  • ILK kinase activity and cell adhesion were assessed.
  • Podocyte morphology and beta1 integrin localization were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • High glucose and angiotensin II dose-dependently upregulated integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA and protein.
  • Angiotensin II-induced changes were partially inhibited by losartan.
  • ILK upregulation correlated with beta1 integrin synthesis and increased ILK kinase activity.
  • Podocyte exposure to high glucose/angiotensin II induced cell shrinkage, process elongation, and altered beta1 integrin distribution.

Conclusions:

  • High glucose and angiotensin II modulate the integrin-ILK system in podocytes.
  • This modulation may contribute to podocyte dysfunction and diabetic nephropathy development.
  • The integrin-ILK pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for renal diseases affecting podocytes.

Related Concept Videos

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Activation of Integrins01:15

Activation of Integrins

Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Insulin Secretory Vesicles01:05

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways01:25

cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) is an essential second messenger that activates protein kinase A (PKA) and regulates various biological processes. A single epinephrine molecule binds to GPCR and activates several heterotrimeric G proteins, each stimulating multiple adenylyl cyclase, amplifying the signal, and synthesizing large numbers of cAMP molecules. Small changes in cAMP concentration affect PKA activity. The binding of four cAMP molecules induces a conformational change in PKA,...