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Isolation, Characterization, And High Throughput Extracellular Flux Analysis of Mouse Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
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Biologically active ADAMTS13 is expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells

Minola Manea1, Ramesh Tati, Jessica Karlsson

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|August 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Human renal tubular epithelial cells synthesize active ADAMTS13, an enzyme crucial for regulating hemostasis. This protease is found in kidney tubules and urine, suggesting a local role in hemostasis within the renal microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • ADAMTS13 mRNA, encoding the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, is present in various tissues, including the kidney.
  • Previous studies have indicated the presence of ADAMTS13 in the kidney, but its specific localization and bioactivity within renal tubules were not fully characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and biological activity of ADAMTS13 within human renal tubular epithelial cells.
  • To determine the presence and localization of ADAMTS13 in normal and diseased renal tissues and urine.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time PCR was used to detect ADAMTS13 mRNA in cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells (HRTEC) and A498 cells.
  • Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were employed to detect ADAMTS13 protein expression and secretion.
  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on renal tissue to localize ADAMTS13 in situ.
  • Proteolytic activity was assessed using the FRETS–VWF73 substrate.
  • Urine samples from patients with tubulopathy and healthy individuals were analyzed for ADAMTS13 presence.

Main Results:

  • ADAMTS13 mRNA and protein were detected in HRTEC and A498 cells.
  • The protein was found to be secreted and proteolytically active, cleaving the VWF substrate.
  • Immunohistochemistry confirmed ADAMTS13 presence in both proximal and distal renal tubules of normal and diseased kidneys.
  • ADAMTS13 was detected in the urine of patients with tubulopathy but not in normal urine.
  • The molecular size of urinary ADAMTS13 suggests renal tubular origin.

Conclusions:

  • Human renal tubular epithelial cells synthesize biologically active ADAMTS13.
  • ADAMTS13 is present and active within the renal tubules.
  • The presence of ADAMTS13 in urine of tubulopathy patients indicates its release from tubules.
  • Synthesized ADAMTS13 may regulate local hemostasis in the renal microenvironment.

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