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Isolation of Glomeruli and In Vivo Labeling of Glomerular Cell Surface Proteins
Published on: January 18, 2019
Nephronectin expression in nephrotoxic acute tubular necrosis
Chao-Wen Cheng1, Shuk-Man Ka, Shun-Min Yang
1Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Summary
Nephronectin (NPNT) is significantly upregulated in regenerating kidney tubules during acute tubular necrosis (ATN) recovery. This protein may serve as a biomarker for acute renal injury and its progression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) involves tubular cell regeneration during recovery.
- Nephronectin (NPNT), a known kidney morphogenetic protein, has an unknown role in ATN.
- Understanding NPNT's function in ATN could reveal new therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and role of NPNT during the regeneration phase of ATN.
- To determine if NPNT can serve as a biomarker for acute kidney injury.
Main Methods:
- Murine model of ATN.
- cDNA microarray, real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, immuno-electron microscopy.
- Urine and tissue analysis for NPNT expression.
Main Results:
- NPNT expression was significantly enhanced in regenerating tubular cells during ATN recovery.
- NPNT was detected in urine as early as day 1 of ATN.
- NPNT expression preceded markers of cell proliferation in regenerating tubules.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced NPNT expression occurs during tubular regeneration in experimental ATN.
- NPNT may play a critical role in the recovery process of nephrotoxic ATN.
- NPNT shows potential as a biomarker for the development and progression of acute renal injury.
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