Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Generation of Patient-Derived Podocytes from Skin Biopsies
08:52

Author Spotlight: Generation of Patient-Derived Podocytes from Skin Biopsies

Published on: May 26, 2023

2.9K

Transcription factor 21 expression in injured podocytes of glomerular diseases

Joichi Usui1,2, Misa Yaguchi3, Satoshi Yamazaki4,5

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan. j-usui@md.tsukuba.ac.jp.

Scientific Reports
|July 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) is crucial for kidney development. This study reveals TCF21 expression increases in nephrotic syndrome, impacting podocyte function and potentially causing actin cytoskeleton issues and apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) plays a vital role in kidney development.
  • Its specific role in glomerular diseases remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and urinary concentration of TCF21 in human and rat kidney tissues.
  • To elucidate the functional significance of TCF21 in podocytes during glomerular injury.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistological analysis of TCF21 expression in human and rat kidney tissues.
  • Measurement of urinary TCF21 concentration in human subjects.
  • In vitro experiments using a Tcf21-expressing murine podocyte cell line.

Main Results:

  • TCF21 expression was highest in nephrotic syndrome, correlating with urinary protein levels.
  • Urinary TCF21 concentration positively correlated with podocyte expression in humans.
  • TCF21 expression in podocytes increased with nephrotic syndrome severity in rats.
  • In vitro studies showed TCF21-dependent actin cytoskeleton dysregulation and apoptosis in podocytes.

Conclusions:

  • TCF21 expression is altered in nephrotic syndrome.
  • TCF21 influences podocyte integrity, affecting actin cytoskeleton and apoptosis.
  • TCF21 may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target for glomerular diseases.

More Related Videos

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions08:06

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions

Published on: July 2, 2020

5.0K
Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection10:15

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection

Published on: November 10, 2021

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
683
Nephrons01:10

Nephrons

The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
5.8K
Renal Corpuscle01:20

Renal Corpuscle

The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
6.4K
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
374
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
434
General Transcription Factors01:30

General Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
6.5K