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Protein kinase C beta I and beta II are differentially expressed in the developing glomerulus
R Saxena1, B A Saksa, K S Hawkins
1Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
Summary
Protein kinase C beta II (PKC beta II) expression in neonatal rat kidney cells correlates with cell proliferation during glomerular development. This suggests PKC beta II plays a key role in mesangial cell maturation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Kidney development involves glomerular mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and functional maturation.
- Protein kinase C (PKC) beta isoform has been implicated in MC proliferation during development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in PKC beta isoform expression during mesangial development.
- To determine the role of PKC beta II in neonatal kidney cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Subculturing of MCs from Sprague-Dawley rat kidneys at various postnatal days and adulthood.
- Assessment of cell proliferation using [3H]thymidine incorporation.
- Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining for PKC beta isoforms.
Main Results:
- Neonatal MCs (postnatal days 1-5) exhibited significantly higher proliferation rates than adult MCs.
- PKC beta I was expressed in both neonatal and adult MCs.
- PKC beta II was expressed in neonatal MCs (days 1-5) but not in adult MCs, correlating with proliferative activity.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of PKC beta II in glomerular mesangial cells parallels their proliferative behavior during kidney development.
- PKC beta II expression and activation are likely critical for mesangial cell maturation and glomerular development.