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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry
10:24

Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry

Published on: October 28, 2014

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Functional analysis reveals calcium-sensing receptor gene regulating cell-cell junction in renal tubular epithelial

Zijian Zhou1,2, Peng Gao1,2, Tongtong Zhang3

  • 1Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China.

International Urology and Nephrology
|February 19, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) inhibits renal tubular cell proliferation and influences gene expression related to cell-cell junctions. This study identifies key genes regulated by CASR, offering insights into kidney stone disease mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • The calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) plays a role in regulating gene expression within renal tubular epithelial cells.
  • Understanding CASR's molecular mechanisms is crucial for investigating nephrolithiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the molecular mechanisms of CASR in renal tubular epithelial cells.
  • To investigate the role of CASR in the context of nephrolithiasis.

Main Methods:

  • HK-2 cells were manipulated to overexpress or knockdown CASR using lentiviral vectors.
  • Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.
  • RNA-Sequencing was employed to identify CASR-regulated genes and pathways.

Main Results:

  • CASR overexpression increased CASR expression, while knockdown decreased it in HK-2 cells.
  • CASR was found to inhibit the proliferation of HK-2 cells.
  • RNA-Sequencing identified differentially expressed genes involved in apoptosis, development, mitochondrial, and amino acid metabolism, with four hub genes (Clorf116, ENPP3, IL20RB, CLDN2) linked to cell-cell junctions and epithelial development.

Conclusions:

  • CASR influences gene expression patterns in renal tubular epithelial cells.
  • CASR plays a role in regulating cell-cell junctions and epithelial cell development.
  • These findings provide novel perspectives on CASR's function in HK-2 cells and its potential relevance to nephrolithiasis.
Keywords:
Calcium-sensing receptorHuman renal tubular epithelial cellsLentiviral transfectionNephrolithiasisRNA-Seq

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