Transcriptome analysis of primary podocytes reveals novel calcium regulated regulatory networks

Podocytes are pivotal in establishing the selective permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. Recently, we showed that an increase of the intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca²⁺ ] causes a rapid and transient actin reset (CaAR) measurable through live imaging microscopy using lifeact-mCherry as an actin dye in different cell types including the podocyte. This and other studies show the critical role [Ca²⁺ ] and the actin cytoskeleton play in podocyte homeostasis. To further investigate the role of [Ca²⁺ ] and the actin cytoskeleton in podocytes, we used a double fluorescent reporter mouse model to establish a primary podocyte culture system. We treated these podocytes temporarily with a Calcium Ionophore and facultatively with Latrunculin A, an inhibitor of actin polymerization. Unbiased genome wide transcriptional analysis identified a transcriptional response in podocytes to elevated [Ca²⁺ ] levels, affecting mRNA levels of PDGF-BB, RICTOR, and MIR17HG as mediators of Ca²⁺ -signaling. Comparison of the ex vivo transcriptional response from the primary podocyte culture with glomerular transcripts across a wide spectrum of CKD disease confirmed co-regulation of transcript sets, establishing the disease relevance of the model system. Our findings demonstrate novel [Ca²⁺ ] regulated gene networks in podocytes deepening our understanding of podocyte biology and disease.