Podocyte-associated proteins FAT, alpha-actinin-4 and filtrin are expressed in Langerhans islets of the pancreas

J Rinta-Valkama, T Palmén, M Lassila… - Molecular and cellular …, 2007 - Springer
J Rinta-Valkama, T Palmén, M Lassila, H Holthöfer
Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 2007Springer
Nephrin is a crucial podocyte molecule in the kidney glomerular filtration barrier and it is
also expressed in Langerhans islet beta cells of the pancreas. Recently, genetic mapping of
proteinuric kidney disease genes and animal models have revealed further important
molecules for the kidney filtration function including alpha-actinin-4, podocin, FAT, and
NEPH1. This study was addressed to explore the pancreatic expression of the podocyte
molecules podocin, FAT, alpha-actinin-4, NEPH1, NEPH2, filtrin/NEPH3, synaptopodin and …
Abstract
Nephrin is a crucial podocyte molecule in the kidney glomerular filtration barrier and it is also expressed in Langerhans islet beta cells of the pancreas. Recently, genetic mapping of proteinuric kidney disease genes and animal models have revealed further important molecules for the kidney filtration function including alpha-actinin-4, podocin, FAT, and NEPH1. This study was addressed to explore the pancreatic expression of the podocyte molecules podocin, FAT, alpha-actinin-4, NEPH1, NEPH2, filtrin/NEPH3, synaptopodin and CD2 associated protein (CD2AP). The mRNA and protein expressions were studied by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, and localization in the pancreas was investigated by immunofluorescence. Of the nephrin-associated podocyte proteins, filtrin/NEPH3, FAT, and alpha-actinin-4 were found to be expressed in the pancreas at the gene and protein level and localized to Langerhans islets. Immunoreactivity with the podocin antibody was detected mostly in the exocrine pancreas. NEPH1 and synaptopodin expression was detected only at the mRNA level. Further studies are needed to unravel the functional role of these podocyte-associated molecules in the pancreatic Langerhans islets.
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