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Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death in podocytes
Yu-Chi Cheng1, Chien-An Chen2, Hung-Chun Chen1
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.)
|November 21, 2017
Summary
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress harms podocytes by affecting protein glycosylation and expression. Autophagy offers short-term protection against ER stress-induced podocyte injury, but excessive stress leads to cell death.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
- Renal Cell Biology
Background:
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is implicated in various diseases.
- ER stress impairs podocyte function by affecting integrin-β1 glycosylation and expression, leading to cell death.
- Autophagy, an intracellular degradation system, is closely linked to ER stress and plays a role in maintaining podocyte homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between ER stress and autophagy in podocytes.
- To explore the potential of modulating autophagy to protect podocytes from ER stress-induced injury.
Main Methods:
- Induction of ER stress in podocytes.
- Assessment of autophagy markers and activity.
- Evaluation of podocyte viability and protein expression under ER stress and autophagy modulation.
Main Results:
- ER stress leads to decreased integrin-β1 expression and enhanced podocyte cell death.
- Autophagy can provide short-term protection against ER stress-induced podocyte injury.
- Sustained or excessive ER stress overwhelms the protective capacity of autophagy, resulting in severe podocyte damage.
Conclusions:
- ER stress is a significant factor in podocyte injury and death.
- Autophagy plays a dual role, offering transient protection but ultimately being insufficient against established ER stress.
- Maintaining an adequate level of autophagy is crucial for podocyte viability under ER stress conditions.
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