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Aberrant expression of SPARC and its impact on proliferation and apoptosis in ADPKD cyst-lining epithelia
Wenjing Wang1, Changlin Mei, Bing Tang
1Division of Nephrology, Center of Kidney Disease, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China.
Background:
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) results from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) can be expressed by many different cell types and is associated with development, remodelling, cell turnover and tissue repair. The analysis of SPARC would help evaluate the effect of the unique matricellular glycoprotein on renal disease progression in ADPKD.
Methods:
The concentration of SPARC was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); distribution and expression levels were measured with in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. Apoptosis was assessed by morphological observation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) apoptosis index (AI) analysis. Cell cycle phase was examined by FACS analysis. Cell proliferation was studied using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation ELISA.
Results:
The SPARC level in the renal cyst fluid of patients with ADPKD was greater than that in patients with simple renal cyst (SRC), and also greater than that found in the plasma and urine of patients with either ADPKD or SRC and normal subjects. SPARC mRNA and protein levels in polycystic renal tissue were greater than that in normal renal tissue. Additionally, SPARC could inhibit cyst-lining epithelial cell proliferation, bring about cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and induce apoptosis in vitro. SPARC treatment resulted in decreased mRNA levels of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), MCM2 (minichromosome maintenance protein 2), ClnD1 and Bcl-2, but an increased mRNA level of p21(Waf1) in cyst-lining epithelial cells.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that the increased SPARC expression in ADPKD renal tissue may provide negative feedback in ADPKD patients.
Insights
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is elevated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Increased SPARC expression in ADPKD renal tissue may inhibit cyst cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, suggesting a negative feedback role.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder influenced by environmental factors.
- Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein involved in tissue remodeling and repair.
- Investigating SPARC in ADPKD may elucidate its role in disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression and function of SPARC in the context of ADPKD.
- To determine the effect of SPARC on cyst-lining epithelial cells in vitro.
- To evaluate SPARC's potential as a modulator of ADPKD progression.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for SPARC concentration.
- In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and western blot for SPARC distribution and levels.
- FACS and BrdU incorporation assays for apoptosis and proliferation studies.
Main Results:
- SPARC levels were significantly higher in ADPKD renal cyst fluid, plasma, and urine compared to controls.
- SPARC mRNA and protein were upregulated in polycystic renal tissue.
- SPARC inhibited proliferation, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and promoted apoptosis in cyst-lining epithelial cells in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Increased SPARC expression in ADPKD renal tissue suggests a potential negative feedback mechanism.
- SPARC may play a protective role by limiting cyst growth and promoting cell death in ADPKD.
- Further research into SPARC's therapeutic potential in ADPKD is warranted.
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