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Renal entactin (nidogen): isolation, characterization and tissue distribution.
A Katz1, A J Fish, M M Kleppel
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Kidney International
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Entactin/nidogen (E/N) is crucial in renal basement membrane structure and disease. Its distribution in the kidney highlights its role in glomerular basement membranes and mesangial matrix alterations during kidney diseases.
Area of Science:
- Renal pathology and molecular biology
- Extracellular matrix composition and function
- Basement membrane structure and dynamics
Background:
- Entactin/nidogen (E/N) is a key component of basement membranes.
- Its precise distribution and role in renal pathology require further elucidation.
- Understanding E/N's localization is vital for comprehending kidney diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution of entactin/nidogen (E/N) in normal and diseased human kidneys.
- To compare E/N distribution with other basement membrane components like laminin and collagen IV.
- To investigate the role of E/N in various renal pathologies, including diabetic nephropathy and glomerulonephritis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bovine renal entactin/nidogen (E/N).
- Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy using anti-E/N antibodies in human kidney samples.
- Comparison of E/N distribution with laminin B2 chain and collagen IV chains (alpha 1(IV) NC and alpha 3(IV) NC).
Main Results:
- Bovine E/N is structurally similar to mouse nidogen.
- E/N is present in all renal basement membranes, particularly in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and mesangium.
- E/N co-localizes with laminin B2 chain and shows distinct distribution patterns compared to different collagen IV chains in the mesangium.
- E/N is increased in mesangial expansion, diabetic nephropathy, Kimmelstiel-Wilson lesions, GBM spikes, and epithelial crescents.
- E/N distribution alterations are maintained in various kidney diseases, but no changes were detected in other acquired/hereditary kidney diseases.
Conclusions:
- Entactin/nidogen (E/N) plays a significant role in the structural integrity of renal basement membranes and mesangial matrix.
- Altered E/N distribution is indicative of pathological changes in the kidney, particularly in conditions with mesangial expansion and basement membrane thickening.
- E/N serves as a potential marker for specific renal disease processes and alterations in extracellular matrix composition.