Connective tissue growth factor mediates high glucose-induced down-regulation of podocalyxin expression in mouse podocytes.
- Author:
Jun ZHANG
1
;
Ping-hua LI
;
Lei YANG
;
Qing-sheng DU
;
Ting-ting GUO
;
Xun TANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; metabolism; Diabetic Nephropathies; Glucose; adverse effects; MAP Kinase Signaling System; drug effects; Mice; Podocytes; cytology; drug effects; metabolism; RNA, Small Interfering; genetics; Sialoglycoproteins; metabolism
- From: Journal of Southern Medical University 2011;31(5):839-843
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo detect the effect of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on podocalyxin expression in mouse podocytes exposed to high glucose in vitro and explore the possible pathway involved.
METHODSThe expression vector carrying a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CTGF was transfected into mouse podocytes cultured in the presence of 1 g/L glucose (normal control), 4.5 g/L glucose (high glucose group), 1 g/L glucose + 3.5 g/L mannitol (iso-osmolar control group). The changes in the protein expression levels of podocalyxin, CTGF and ERK1/2 in the cells in response to the treatments were investigated using Western blotting.
RESULTSHigh glucose exposure for 24 and 48 h resulted in significantly decreased expression of podocalyxin and increased CTGF in the podocytes (P<0.05). Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 occurred as early as 30 min after the exposure, and the activation was maintained till 24 h. Transfection of the cells with siRNA targeting CTGF significantly inhibited these changes.
CONCLUSIONCTGF is an important mediator of high glucose-induced podocyte damage and decreases the protein level of podocalyxin by the ERK1/2 pathway. CTGF-specific siRNA can alleviate high glucose-induced podocyte injury, suggesting its potential value in treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
