Nephron segment and cell-type specific expression of gangliosides in the developing and adult kidney

Despite the increasing knowledge of the role of gangliosides in normal and diseased tissues, little is known of the presence, distribution and functions of these molecules in the kidney. In this study we analyzed the main gangliosides of isolated glomeruli and cortical, medullary and papillary fractions of the human, rat and bovine kidneys biochemically. In addition, we used immunohistochemistry to visualize the distribution of GM1/GM2, GD2, GD3 and O-acetyl GD3 gangliosides along the nephron. Furthermore, we explored the species specific expression of gangliosides by comparing those from the rat, bovine and human kidney, and studied the pattern of ganglioside expression during development. In glomeruli, cortical tubuli, medullae and papillae, a relatively simple pattern of main gangliosides was observed as revealed by thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis in each species studied. Furthermore, considerable changes in the glomerular gangliosides during maturation were observed, with a complex type of gangliosides predominating during the fetal age and with a preference to more simple precursors upon maturation. Interestingly, the immunohistochemical detection revealed a distinct pattern of ganglioside compartmentation to various nephron segments or cell types. These findings provide a basis for studying the role of segment- and cell type-specific gangliosides for local functions.