Dataset Information

Multiscale fractal shape cues support hierarchical assembly and maturation of podocytes via curvature-induced extracellular matrix patterning

ABSTRACT: Nature efficiently self-organizes cells and tissues into complex fractal forms. Whether fractal patterning contributes functionally to maturation, and how cells sense and interpret such shape cues, is not well understood. Using kidney podocytes as a model system, bioinspired templating of glomerular histology was leveraged to design controlled fractal 2½ -D surfaces for cell culture. Microcurvature was associated with charge density gradients in space, found to direct extracellular matrix protein organization resulting in hierarchical assembly of cell structures and fractally-branching podocyte morphology in vitro, outlined with a novel fluorescent assaying technique. Shape simulation was uniquely associated with mature-like foot processes on an organized ECM. In applications of drug testing, coronavirus infection, and a cells-as-sensors approach to patient serum diagnostics, fractally stimulated cells were more responsive than flat cultures. Fractal frameworks may thus provide a functional role in podocyte maturation and could serve to advance other bioengineered systems.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE185491 | GEO | 2022/10/06

REPOSITORIES: GEO

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:Glomerular podocytes are highly differentiated cells that are key components of the kidney filtration units. The podocyte cytoskeleton builds the basis for the dynamic podocyte cytoarchitecture and plays a central role for proper podocyte function. Recent studies implicate that immunosuppressive agents including the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus have a protective role directly on the stability of the podocyte cytoskeleton. To elucidate mechanisms underlying mTOR-inhibitor mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements, we carried out microarray gene expression studies to identify target genes and corresponding pathways in response to everolimus. We analyzed the effect of everolimus in a puromycin aminonucleoside experimental in vitro model of podocyte injury. Upon treatment with puromycin aminonucleoside, microarray analysis revealed gene clusters involving cytoskeletal-associated pathways, adhesion, migration and extracellular matrix composition to be affected. Everolimus is capable of protecting podocytes from injury, both on the transcriptome and protein level. Rescued genes included TUBB2B and DCDC2, both involved in microtubule structure formation in neuronal cells but not identified in podocytes so far. Confirming gene expression data, Western-blot analysis in cultured podocytes showed an increase of TUBB2B and DCDC2 protein after everolimus treatment, and immunohistochemistry in healthy control kidneys confirmed a podocyte-specific expression. Microtubule-inhibitor experiments led to a maldistribution of TUBB2B and DCDC2 as well as an aberrant reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Tubb2bbrdp/brdp mice showed a delay in glomerular podocyte and capillary development. Taken together, our study suggests that off-target, non-immune mediated effects of the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus on the podocyte cytoskeleton might involve regulation of microtubules, revealing a potential novel role of TUBB2B and DCDC2 in glomerular podocyte development We analyzed the effect of everolimus on gene expression in a puromycin aminonucleoside experimental in vitro model of podocyte injury using microarrays

Project description:Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin and ligand of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a transcriptional regulator. Elevated serum IS may contribute to the progression of kidney disease. Therefore, we assessed mouse podocyte damage mediated by IS. Ahr was predominantly localized to the podocyte nucleus in vivo and in vitro. In isolated glomeruli, IS-exposure for 2 – 24 h induced Cyp1a1 expression, the most sensitive biomarker of Ahr activation. Mice exposed to IS for 4–8 weeks exhibited microalbuminuria, and mild glomerular injury characterized by ischemic changes, partial podocyte foot process effacement, as well as vascular and tubulointerstitial damage. Chronically IS-exposed kidneys exhibited decreased mRNA, decreased protein levels, and altered staining patterns for podocin, synaptopodin, and non-muscle myosin IIA (Myh9). Immortalized podocytes, upon differentiation, exhibited Ahr nuclear translocation beginning 30 min after 1 mM IS-exposure. At 2 h, there was a dose-dependent decrease in podocyte mRNA expression of WT1, Podxl, Snypo, Myh9, Actn4, and Cd2ap. After 24 h of exposure to IS, podocytes were smaller, had fewer actin/Myh9 fibers, and decreased viability. Ahr-RNAi decreased mRNA expression of podocyte-specific proteins and inhibited Cyp1a1 induction by IS-exposure. Combinations of Ahr-RNAi and IS-exposure further decreased Myh9 expression. In immortalized human podocytes, IS treatment caused cell injury, decreased mRNA expression of podocyte-specific proteins, integrins, collagens, cytoskeletal proteins, and bone morphogenetic proteins, and increased cytokine and chemokine expression. Thus, chronic IS-exposure causes glomerular damage by activating Ahr, altering podocyte function, differentiation, and morphology, and inducing a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Podocyte cells treated with Indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin and aryl-hydrocarbon receptor ligand, mediates progressive glomerular disease by damaging podocytes Human podocyte cell line treated with or without 3-Indoxyl sulfate (1mM/0.1%DMSO) in three replications

Dataset Information

Multiscale fractal shape cues support hierarchical assembly and maturation of podocytes via curvature-induced extracellular matrix patterning

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure