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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
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.
Abstract:
Alterations of integrin alpha3beta1 may play a role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. We have investigated the effects of high glucose and angiotensin II on the expression of integrin alpha3 and beta1, and whether these changes are associated with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in cultured mouse podocytes. Integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA expression and protein production were rapidly up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner by high glucose and angiotensin II stimulation. ILK mRNA levels in the mouse podocytes exposed to 30 mmol/l glucose were 1.66, 1.89, and 1.28 times higher than those in control cells at 6, 24, and 72 h exposure, respectively. ILK mRNA levels in mouse podocytes exposed to 1 nM, 10 nM, and 100 nM angiotensin II for 6 h were 1.38, 1.55, and 1.93 times higher, respectively, than those in control cells. Angiotensin-II-induced integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by treatment with losartan (100 muM). In addition, the up-regulation of ILK synthesis induced by these stimuli was related to beta1 integrin synthesis and increased ILK kinase activity. Cell adhesion assay displayed inhibitory effects when podocytes were exposed to high concentrations of angiotensin II. Interestingly, glucose and angiotensin II stimulation induced shrinkage of the cell body and elongation of the podocyte processes, a phenotype similar to that of immature podocytes. In addition, beta1 integrin showed higher levels of staining on both the cell membranes and the cell-cell contact areas. Thus, high glucose and angiotensin II may affect the regulation of the integrin-ILK system in podocytes; this system may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and other renal diseases affecting podocytes.
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.
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