Expression of APOBEC3G in kidney cells

Y Komohara1, S Suekane, M Noguchi

  • 1Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. ycomo@med.kurume-u.ac.jp

Tissue Antigens
|January 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G) is found in human kidney cells and is linked to host defense against viral infections and cancer. Its expression increases with inflammation, suggesting a role in kidney disease.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G) is a DNA mutator enzyme involved in host defense against viral infections.
  • APOBEC3G has shown antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and biological role of APOBEC3G in human kidney cells.
  • To understand APOBEC3G's potential involvement in kidney disease and cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to detect APOBEC3G expression in kidney tissues.
  • APOBEC3G expression levels were analyzed in renal carcinoma tissues and cell lines.
  • The effect of inflammatory cytokines on APOBEC3G expression was examined.

Main Results:

  • APOBEC3G was detected in human kidney mesangial and epithelial tubular cells.
  • Overexpression of APOBEC3G was observed in renal carcinoma tissues and cell lines.
  • Inflammatory cytokines (interferon, IL-6, TNF) upregulated APOBEC3G expression.

Conclusions:

  • APOBEC3G is expressed in human kidney cells and its expression is modulated by inflammation.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for APOBEC3G in host defense against viral infections and in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer.

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